Victim Rights

As a victim, you may speak with a prosecutor, make a written or oral statement to the Court, and receive restitution for certain financial losses. You may also be heard when it is relevant and be informed of all the critical stages of the criminal justice process.

If your case goes to trial, you will be called as a witness in the case, meaning that you will tell your story of events to a judge or jury. If the defendant in your case pleads guilty or is found guilty at trial, you may make an oral or written statement to be considered by the Judge at sentencing.

Plea bargaining is ultimately up to the prosecutor on your case. You may, however, contact the Prosecutor’s office to provide input and ask questions about possible outcomes. You do not have the right to drop charges because that is up to the Prosecutor. For most charges, the maximum penalty is 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. The Judge may also order restorative justice and community service.

Victims are entitled to restitution, which is court-ordered payment of money from a defendant to a victim for losses incurred because of the defendant’s actions. More commonly, restitution is ordered for payment of out-of-pocket medical expenses, or the amount of money owed after health insurance coverage. If you do not have health insurance, you may be entitled to restitution for the full amount of your medical bills. Restitution may also be ordered for veterinary bills.

You will receive an email or a letter in the mail on how to request restitution. Please fill out this form completely and attach any medical or veterinary bills to your restitution request. If you are not requesting restitution, please return the form indicating so. You may be required to appear for a restitution hearing. Defendants ordered to pay restitution will pay the Boulder Municipal Court, which will distribute a check to the victim. Please contact the Boulder Municipal Court if your contact information has changed: 303-441-1841.

As a victim, you have the right to request discovery, such as copies of tickets, reports, and police body camera video evidence, if it is available. Email: discovery@bouldercolorado.gov

In your email, please include your name, your relationship to the case and case number.