Courtney Wild Victims' Rights Act

Summary#

This bill updates federal statutes to strengthen the rights of people harmed by federal or District of Columbia crimes. It expands who is a "crime victim" to include people harmed during investigations even before charges are filed. The bill adds specific rights, such as the right to receive a victims' rights card, to be told in a timely way about plea deals or deferred prosecution agreements, and to confer with prosecutors about such agreements. It requires courts to confirm that prosecutors complied with victims' rights and lets courts order remedies for violations. The bill creates a process for victims to bring motions in district court, seek rapid appellate review (including a writ of mandamus), and in some cases ask a court to annul deferred prosecution or nonprosecution agreements when the right to confer was denied. The bill authorizes victims who prevail to receive reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses.

The bill also directs the Department of Justice to set up an Administrative Authority under the DOJ Inspector General to receive and investigate complaints about violations by government attorneys. It requires training for DOJ employees on trauma-informed treatment of victims. The Administrative Authority must log complaints, issue decisions within set timeframes (with fines or reimbursements as possible remedies), and allow appeals to the Inspector General. The Attorney General must make rules to implement the chapter and send reports to specified congressional committees about complaints, outcomes, and district-level information on enforcement and alleged violations.

What it means for you#

• If you are directly and proximately harmed by a suspected or alleged federal or D.C. offense, the bill says you have clearer, written rights and information on how to get legal help, including pro bono assistance where available.
• You could get a victims' rights card that lists those rights, contact information for the Office of the Crime Victims' Rights Ombudsman, and guidance on seeking an attorney.
• If your rights are not honored, you may file motions in district court, seek prompt appellate review, and in some situations request that certain agreements be annulled.
• You can file complaints with a new Administrative Authority, which must investigate and decide within specified timeframes and can impose fines or reimburse costs in some cases.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

The bill's text is written to expand and reinforce victims' rights in federal and D.C. cases by: clarifying who counts as a victim, requiring notice about plea and deferred prosecution agreements, creating court procedures and remedies for violations, establishing an Administrative Authority to handle complaints, requiring training for prosecutors, and mandating reporting to Congress.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.