What is a Victim Impact Statement?
A victim impact statement is the method by which victims of crime can communicate their feelings to the court. This is most often done in the form of a letter written to the sentencing judge and expresses how a particular crime has affected the victim or the family member. The law also provides the victim of a dangerous felony crime with the opportunity to appear in person on the sentencing day and speak to the judge directly.
What is the Purpose?
The overall purpose of an impact statement is to give the sentencing judge an opportunity to understand clearly the effects of the crime from the victim’s perspective. The impact statement can also be a beneficial therapeutic tool for the victim, to voice his/her concerns directly to the court and be heard by the offender or to simply put his/her thoughts about the crime on paper.
Who Can Make a Victim Impact Statement?
All dangerous felony crime victims or immediate family members have a constitutional right to submit a written or verbal impact statement. Other family members or friends can submit a written statement, but in some instances, may not be allowed to address the judge in an open courtroom.
What Should be Included in the Victim Impact Statement?
Victim’s name
Identify any physical injuries and long-term physical suffering
Identify any emotional injuries and long-term suffering
Total cost of any financial losses incurred (example: hospital, property, emotional, loss of wages, etc.)
Describe any changes resulting from the crime with family, job or relationships
Describe what sentence you believe is fair to impose on the person who committed the crime
When Should the Victim Impact Statement be Written?
The victim may write a victim impact statement at any time during the criminal justice process. Consult with your Advocate Caseworker about when the statement should become part of the court record.
Who Can Help Me With My Victim Impact Statement?
Your Advocate Caseworker can assist you in writing the statement. Contact Victim Services (314) 622-4373 for assistance in preparing your impact statement.
