Criminal Law
Introduction
How The Criminal Process Begins
Differences From The Civil Courts
Searches And Seizures
Grand Juries
Indictment
Arrest, Interrogation and Bail
Plea Bargains
Defenses and Exceptions
Evidence
Trial
Specific Offenses
Sentencing
Concurrent and Consecutive Sentences
Sentencing Guidelines
Presentence Reports
Alternatives to Imprisonment
Victim Compensation
Victim Impact Statements
Probation
Sentencing Frequently Asked Questions
Parole
Retaining a Criminal Defense Attorney
Your Criminal Case
Victim Impact Statements
The punishment phase of a trial is treated as an opportunity for a victim and the family members of a victim who have been affected by a crime to speak. Many courts also allow the family to choose a designee to speak on its behalf if the individual family members do not wish to make a statement themselves. In some states, laws do not allow victim impact statements until after the defendant's sentence has been pronounced. Others consider the victim's impact statement in determining a sentence. Victim impact statements are generally made in open court, but written statements have also been allowed.