Courtney Wild Reinforcing Crime Victims’ Rights Act

Enhanced Notification Rights: Victims will be notified of plea bargains, plea offers, deferred prosecution agreements, and the referral of criminal investigations to other entities (Section 2(a)(1)(A)(iii)).

Increased Access to Information and Assistance: Victims will receive a crime victims' rights card that includes contact information for the Office of the Crime Victims' Rights Ombudsman and information regarding legal assistance, including pro bono options (Section 2(a)(1)(A)(iv)).

Expanded Legal Representation: The bill allows a victim's attorney to enter an appearance in district court, providing a way for victims to have a formal voice in proceedings (Section 2(a)(1)(D)(i)(B)(i)).

Access to Case Records: A victim's attorney will be granted access to all case records in the action (Section 2(a)(1)(D)(i)(B)(iv)(I)).

Formal Complaint Process: The bill establishes an Administrative Authority to receive and investigate complaints regarding the violation of a victim's rights (Section 2(a)(1)(F)).

Financial Relief for Victimized Parties: Victims who successfully prevail in an action to enforce their rights are entitled to reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses (Section 2(a)(1)(D)(8)).

Trauma-Informed Training: The bill requires training for Department of Justice employees that incorporates trauma-informed methods to help them respond more effectively to victims (Section 2(a)(1)(F)(2)).

Government Delay of Rights: The Government may request a court to delay notifying a victim of their rights for up to 90 days (with potential extensions) if it determines that such notification could threaten safety, interfere with an investigation, or compromise national security (Section 2(a)(1)(A)(B)(ii-iii)).

Limitations on Reopening Proceedings: A failure to afford a victim their rights does not provide grounds for a new trial (Section 2(a)(1)(D)(5)(A)).

Restrictions on Reopening Plea or Sentence: Victims who received timely notice can only move to reopen a plea or sentence if the accused did not plead guilty to the highest offense charged or receive the statutory maximum sentence (Section 2(a)(1)(D)(5)(B)(iii)).