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(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today released a new tool designed to help law enforcement agencies inform crime victims about their rights under the new Marsy's Law.

The palm-sized card was created by the Attorney General's Office to be an accessible resource for law enforcement agencies and an easily understood tool for victims to help them understand their rights according to the new law.

When officers interact with a crime victim, they can provide the card, which outlines the victim's rights and provides space to write down information like the date and an incident description. Any law enforcement agency across the state can request the cards by contacting the Attorney General's Office Crime Victims Section: 614-466-5610.

 

"We believe that crime victims should be empowered with the information that these cards provide," said Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine. "This card is just one more tool Ohio's law enforcement agencies can use to help victims."

Marsy’s Law shields victims from offender harassment and empowers victims by giving them legally enforceable rights. Victims also have greater access to the criminal justice system. The amendment provides victims the following rights:

• To be present and speak at all court proceedings
• To receive notice when an offender is released or escapes
• To offer input on plea deals
• To receive timely notification of all court proceedings involving a victim's case
• To receive a prompt conclusion of the case without unreasonable delay
• To refuse to answer questions made by the accused or the accuser's representative
• To receive money from the convicted for harm caused 
• To have access to information about services available to crime victims

Marsy’s Law, named for Marsy Nichols who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 1983, was enacted by voters in November 2017 as an amendment to Ohio's Constitution. California was the first state to adopt Marsy's Law in 2008; Ohio is the sixth state to adopt the constitutional amendment, also known as the Ohio Crime Victim's Bill of Rights.

Information about Marsy's Law and other services the Attorney General's Office provides for victims of crime can be found on the Ohio Attorney General's Crime Victim Services webpage.

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