Last Updated: 09.02.2020
Maryland Victims’ Rights Lawyer
We recently had an opportunity as a victims’ rights lawyer to represent a victim of domestic violence. She was a victim of the defendant at the time of the crime. She was also being victimized by the criminal justice system until she hired us.
Moreover, English was our client’s second language. So her only link to the process was an interpreter. As her Maryland victim rights lawyers, we were able to spend time with our client to understand her wishes. We then made appropriate recommendations to the Court and the State’s Attorney. In the end, we obtained a favorable outcome for our client.
The criminal justice system is not set up for victims’ rights. In a trial, the rights of the criminal take priority. Meanwhile, the victim’s life is publicly exposed. While the defense attorney’s job is to disprove the charges and thrust the victim’s credibility into question.
The judge, the prosecutor, the defense, and the jury make all the decisions.
What can you do if you are the victim of a crime?
The Maryland lawyers of EN Lawyers offer representation in the area of victims’ rights representation. If you were the victim of:
- a violent crime
- suffered a large financial loss or a member of your family was killed
We, as Maryland victims’ rights lawyers, offer you a say in the proceedings and the outcome.
Criminal Proceedings
As the victim, you have certain rights, including the right to your own lawyer.
You have a constitutional right to be present at every critical stage of the proceeding, just like the Defendant.
You also have the right to be notified by the State’s Attorney about the appearances and filings in the case. Often the overworked local prosecutors struggle to adhere to their obligations regarding victim notification. Even more commonly, they will explain things in “legalese” leaving you confused or puzzled as to what has actually been decided.
The Law Offices of Eldridge, Nachtman and Crandell, LLC can advise you about what is likely to happen in the case and can counsel you during any:
- questioning
- depositions
- courtroom testimony
We will ensure that the prosecutor considers your wishes in bringing charges or plea negotiations. Lastly, we can represent you in addressing the court and the defendant at disposition (sentencing) to make a victim’s rights statement.
Private prosecution
In Maryland, a private citizen has the right and the ability to appear before a District Court Commissioner and write out an affidavit that lodges criminal charges against another individual.
In most counties prosecutors review the charges before they are formally filed. Maryland lawyers of Eldridge and Nachtman, LLC is a firm formed by former prosecutors who are respected criminal defense lawyers. Between our team of lawyers, they have tried hundreds of cases, including homicides.
We have the ability to aid victims in crafting their charges and investigating their case. This will ensure that the charges will stick once finally handed off to a prosecuting agency.
Civil Litigation For Crime Victims
Victims’ rights entail the ability to request and receive restitution. We will vigorously pursue monetary damages in a civil lawsuit against the criminal defendant. As well as any other person or entity that enabled the crime through negligence or knowingly aiding and abetting.
We can also successfully sue for physical injury or for victim economic losses including:
- lost wages
- medical treatment
As well as non-economic losses such as emotional damages.
Victims’ Rights Lawyers and Media Relations
In high-profile criminal cases, reporters and camera crews may follow and harass the crime victim. They’ll do anything in pursuit of a story. Even camp outside your residence or place of employment.
A victims’ rights lawyer can serve as a personal spokesperson or family spokesperson to field media inquiries and draw away some of the unwelcome attention. This is done throughout the criminal proceedings and after the verdict. Our lawyers act as the voice of the client to make any statements or advise clients about how to appropriately engage the media.
The Bottom Line on Victims’ Rights
You have rights as a victim. However, the system does not automatically acknowledge them.
Contact ENLawyers for compassionate and effective counsel during this painful and private episode in representing victims’ rights matters. We practice primarily in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Harford County, Howard County, but regularly traveled from Hagerstown to Havre de Grace and Somerset to Salisbury.