Seniors Legal Rights

Protection Under the Law

Crime Victims’ Rights

Diminished physical, financial, and mental capacities can make seniors particularly vulnerable to crime. Minnesota’s Victims Rights Act provides crime victims with the following rights:

Right to be Notified of:

Right to Participate in Prosecution:

Right to Protection from Harm:

Assistance for Crime Victims

Victims of violent crime may request reparations from the Reparations Board for out-of-pocket costs of counseling, medical care, transportation, child care, and other expenses which are directly related to the crime committed against you. The Reparations Board can compensate only those victims who have reported the crime to the police within 30 days of its occurrence and who have cooperated fully in the apprehension and prosecution of an offender.

Minnesota Department of Public Safety
Office of Justice Programs

Crime Victims Reparations Board
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 2300
St. Paul, MN 55101
(888) 622-8799 or (651) 201-7300
www.dps.mn.gov/divisions/ojp external link icon

The Minnesota Center for Crime Victim Services oversees the delivery of crime victims services in Minnesota. If you have questions or need specific information regarding services available to seniors who are victims of criminal acts, the Center for Crime Victim Services can assist you. The Center can also identify the victim service provider in your area who can assist you. The Center publishes, at no cost to the victim, informational brochures helpful to crime victims.

Minnesota Department of Public Safety
Office of Justice Programs

Crime Victim Services
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 2300
St. Paul, MN 55101
(888) 622-8799 or (651) 201-7300
www.dps.mn.gov/divisions/ojpexternal link icon

The Crime Victim Justice Unit monitors compliance with victims’ rights mandated by state law. The Ombudsman receives and investigates complaints from victims who believe that their rights have been violated or that they have been mistreated by people within the criminal justice system.

Minnesota Department of Public Safety
Office of Justice Programs

Crime Victim Justice Unit
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 2300
St. Paul, MN 55101
(888) 622-8799 or (651) 201-7300
www.dps.mn.gov/divisions/ojpexternal link icon