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Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy

Victims’ Brochures & Forms

The Maryland State Board of Victim Services is committed to helping crime victims access the information and resources they need after a crime. Victims may experience loss, stress, fear, and uncertainty, and understanding their rights and available services can support their recovery.

The Board provides brochures and forms that explain the rights of crime victims in Maryland and help individuals navigate the criminal justice process. These resources are available to download, print, and share with crime victims, victim service providers, and criminal justice professionals.

To request printed copies of the brochures, email Rebecca Allyn.

Crime Victims and Witnesses: Your Rights and Services

Under Maryland Criminal Procedure Article, § 11-104(b), crime victims or their representatives are entitled to receive this brochure during their first contact with law enforcement. The brochure explains the rights of crime victims, the services available to support recovery, and what to expect throughout the criminal justice process. It also describes the responsibilities of the criminal justice system to victims and witnesses.

Download Brochure: Crime Victims and Witnesses: Your Rights and Services

Your Rights as a Victim in the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Process

After criminal charges are filed and a case is referred to the State's Attorney's Office, crime victims have the right to receive information about the prosecution of their case. Under Maryland Criminal Procedure Article, § 11-104(c)(1), the State's Attorney's Office must provide this brochure to eligible crime victims within 10 days after formal charges are filed.

Download Brochure: Your Rights as a Victim

Crime Victim Notification Request and Demand for Rights Form

To receive updates about court hearings and other events related to a criminal case, crime victims must submit a Crime Victim Notification Request and Demand for Rights Form to the appropriate criminal justice agency.

Under Maryland Criminal Procedure Article, § 11-104(c)(1), the State's Attorney's Office must provide this form to eligible crime victims within 10 days after formal criminal charges are filed.

To help ensure your rights are protected, complete the form and return it to the State's Attorney's Office as soon as possible.

A sample Crime Victim Notification Request and Demand for Rights Form is provided below. If you are a crime victim or are helping someone who has been the victim of a crime, contact your local State's Attorney's Office for information about completing and submitting the form.

Download: Crime Victim Notification Request and Demand for Rights Form

Victim’s Representative Notification Form – License Suspension Hearing

Effective October 1, 2017, a victim's representative may request notification of a driver's license suspension hearing when a moving violation contributed to a fatality, as provided by Chapter 702 (House Bill 1071).

To receive notification, the victim's representative must submit a written request to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). Complete the required form and return it to the MVA as soon as possible to receive hearing notifications.

If you need help understanding the law or completing the form, contact the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions (MPCTC):

Download: Victim’s Representative Notification Form

Right for Victims to Receive Information About the Use of DNA Evidence

Effective October 1, 2015, crime victims and their representatives have the right to request information about DNA evidence related to their case.

Upon request, and unless providing the information would interfere with an ongoing investigation, the investigating law enforcement agency will notify victims or their representatives of:

  • Whether a DNA profile was developed from evidence collected in the case.
  • When the DNA profile was entered into the state or national DNA database.
  • When a confirmed DNA match, official DNA case report, or DNA hit report is received.

To request this information, complete the form, print it, and submit it to the law enforcement agency investigating the case.

Download: DNA Request of Notification Form

The Maryland Crime Victims' Resource Center, Inc. (MCVRC) can provide information about this law and assist victims and their representatives with completing the form.

For assistance, contact the Maryland Crime Victims' Resource Center:

Requesting Protections for Safety

Effective October 1, 2017, alleged victims and their families may request reasonable safety protections during a criminal case. This brochure explains how to request that an offender be placed on electronic monitoring or electronic monitoring with victim stay-away alert technology, when authorized by law.

Download Brochure: Requesting Protections for Safety

Effective October 1, 2021, victims have the right to request a private room at a law enforcement agency when reporting crimes covered under Title 3 of the Maryland Criminal Law Article. Law enforcement agencies are required to display this poster to inform victims of this right.

Download Poster: Maryland Supports Crime Victims

Other Victims’ Rights Resources