A ‘victim’ is defined under the California Constitution as: “a person who suffers direct or threatened physical, psychological, or financial harm as a result of the commission or attempted commission of a crime or delinquent act. The term 'victim'also includes the person’s spouse, parents, children, siblings, or guardian, and includes a lawful representative of a crime victim who is deceased, a minor, or physically or psychologically incapacitated."
Marsy's Rights
Victims’ have been given 17 rights under California’s Victims’ Bill of Rights Act of 2008: Marsy’s Rights.
As a victim, you have the right to:
Be informed about the criminal justice process;
Be notified and informed of pending felony pretrial/trial dispositions;
Be heard by the court at sentencing/disposition/parole eligibility hearings;
The return of property when it is no longer needed as evidence;
Be notified if your presence in court is not needed;
Be informed about available civil remedies, financial assistance, and social services;
Be compensated by the convicted offender;
Be provided with a secure waiting area during court proceedings; and
Have inconveniences associated with participation in the criminal justice process minimized.