How Much Do You Know About Florida's Marsy's Law?

Overview of Marsy's Law in Florida

• Marsy's Law is Amendment 6 of the Florida Constitution, enacted on January 1, 2019, to protect victim's rights.
• Every victim is entitled to due process, fairness, and respect for their dignity.
• Victims have the right to be free from intimidation, harassment, and abuse.
• Within the judicial process, victims are entitled to reasonable protection from the accused and their associates.
• The safety and welfare of victims and their families must be considered when setting bail and pretrial release conditions.
• Victims have the right to prevent the disclosure of information that could be used to locate or harass them or their family.
• Victims have specific rights, including the right to attend public proceedings, be heard in pretrial or parole proceedings, and confer with the prosecuting attorney.
• Victims have the right to receive a copy of any presentence report and to be informed of the conviction, sentence, and release of the offender.
• Victims have the right to prompt return of their property and full and timely restitution for their losses.
• Proceedings must be free from unreasonable delay, and victims have the right to seek the advice of an attorney with respect to their rights.
• A victim is defined as a person who suffers direct or threatened harm as a result of a crime or delinquent act.
• Officers must provide victims with a printed copy of the Victim/Witness Rights Brochure, have them sign an acknowledgment of receipt, advise them of their right to withhold identifying information, attend First Appearance, and be notified of the defendant's release or escape.