After initial contact between a victim and a law enforcement agency responsible for investigating the offense, the agency shall promptly give in writing to the victim: (1) an explanation of the victim’s rights under this chapter and chapters 52 and 52A of this title; and (2) information concerning the availability of:(A) assistance to victims, including medical, housing, counseling, and emergency services;(B) compensation for victims under 13 V.S.A. chapter 167 and the name, street address, and telephone number of the Center for Crime Victim Services; (C) protection for the victim, including protective court orders; and(D) access by the victim and the offender to records related to the case that are public under the provisions of 1 V.S.A. chapter 5, subchapter 3 (access to public records). (b) Information to victims of listed crimes. As soon as practicable, the law enforcement agency shall use reasonable efforts to give to the victim of a listed crime, as relevant, all of the following: (1) information as to the offender’s identity unless inconsistent with law enforcement agency shall use reasonable efforts to give to the victim of a listed crime, as relevant, all of the following: (1) information as to the offender’s identity unless inconsistent with law enforcement purposes; (2) information as to whether the offender has been taken into custody;(3) the file number of the case and the name, office street address, and telephone number of the law enforcement officer currently assigned to investigate the case; (4) the prosecutor’s name, office street address, and telephone number;(5) an explanation that no individual is under an obligation to respond to questions that may be asked outside a courtroom or deposition; and (6) information concerning any conditions of release imposed on the offender prior to an initial court appearance, unless otherwise limited by court order. (Added 2021, No. 160 (Adj. Sess.), § 8, eff. June 1, 2022.)
Vermont Legal Code