Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer

Mississippi Code Title 99. Criminal Procedure § 99-36-5

Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(1) A victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim is entitled to the following rights within the criminal justice system:

(a) The right to receive from law enforcement agencies adequate protection from harm and threats of harm arising from cooperation with prosecution efforts, including, but not limited to, the filing of criminal charges where the perpetrator is known;

(b) The right to have a circuit or county court judge take the safety of the victim or his family into consideration as an element in fixing the amount of bail for the accused;

(c) The right to be informed of relevant court proceedings and to be informed if those court proceedings have been canceled or rescheduled prior to the event;

(d) The right to be informed, when requested, by the district attorney's office concerning the general procedures in the criminal justice system, including general procedures in guilty plea negotiations and arrangements;

(e) The right to provide a victim impact statement prior to any sentencing of the offender; and

(f) The right to receive information regarding compensation to victims of crime as may be provided by law.

(2) A victim, guardian of a victim or close relative of a deceased victim has the right to be present at all public court proceedings related to the prosecution of the accused, consistent with the rules of evidence.

(3) A judge, attorney for the state, peace officer or law enforcement agency is not liable for a failure or inability to provide a right enumerated in this chapter. The failure or inability of any person to provide a right or service enumerated in this chapter may not be used by a defendant in a criminal case as a ground for appeal. A victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim does not have standing to participate as a party in a criminal proceeding or to contest the disposition of any charge.

Previous Part of Code Next Part of Code
Back to Chapter List

Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Mississippi Code Title 99. Criminal Procedure § 99-36-5 - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/ms/title-99-criminal-procedure/ms-code-sect-99-36-5/

FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.

Was this helpful?

Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes

A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.

Go to Learn About the Law

Latest Blog Posts

For Legal Professionals

Learn About The Law

Get help with your legal needs

FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.

Go to Learn About the Law

Need to Find an Attorney?

Search our directory by legal issue

Enter information in one or both fields (Required)

Copied to clipboard