Victim Impact Statement?

Question

My family and I are in midst of writing a Victim Impact Statement.

Is there an outline, a template--some guidance that we could utilize in creation of this statement(s)?

The pamphlet we received from the Victims Advocate doesn't give a limit of how many statements, all of us write a statement or have one statement for all of us? What is general 'rule' ?

Answer 1

Some links that may help you:

This is a very helpful site:
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/publications/infores/impact/welcome.html

MADD VIS Info:
http://www.madd.org/docs/Victim%20Impact%20Statement%20Workbook.pdf

Here is an EXCELLENT example (In my opinion):
http://fradella.intrasun.tcnj.edu/tributes/Matthew_Shepard/dennis_shepard__victim_impact_statement.htm

Sample Statement:
http://www.gcvwu.com/SAMPLE%20VIS.pdf

I hope this helps you :-)

Answer 2

General rule would be like a resume if you were applying for a job or your Third Grade teacher or, other word KISS principle (Keep It Simple Stupid) and keep it brief, to the point (and have each person write their own statement...Don't combine! It will have less of an impact with the Judge/Jurty than numerous ones that are easy to read and to the point). Nobody is going to want to wade through 15 pages of something, but can easily digest 15 different pages from different people that may outline the same or similar experiences. Use bullet points if possible, including date and time to show the timeline.

There have been cases that would seem like they were "Slam Dunk" with the educated prosecution that have been lost on a Jury (or Judge....look up the Judge for Anna Nichole Smith's hearing right after she died for a good example...what kind of Judge cries...Oh wait! He is the JUDGE! My bad!) or Johnny Cochran with the "gloves don't fit, must acquit" despite many other circumstantial evidience to the contrary.

Answer 3

There is no template. Every victim has his/her own story of how the crime effected them. Each of you may write a separate statement if you wish or if you prefer, none of you need to say or write anything. This is your chance to influence the sentence imposed by the court on the defendant. You can do this anyway you wish. One person can read the statements from each individual or you can write a statement reflecting a joint opinion. There is no time limit, but it has the greatest impact if it's somewhat brief--I'd keep it to no more than 10 minutes. For the greatest maximum effect, I'd suggest at least 2 persons speak at a minimum. If you have a family member who just will not be able to do it--tell the Court : "This statement is from my mother. She asked me to read it for her." Your mother should stand while it's being read. The Court may ask her if it is her statement. She just has to say "yes."

Answer 4

A sufferer impression statement is an announcement made via the sufferer of a criminal offense about how they have been effected via the crime. in certain situations they are considered in determining the severity of the sentence and/or at a parole listening to. There oftentimes are few regulations about what you're saying.

Answer 5

I would come up with a single statement that describes the incident's impact on each one of you! That's what we did when my wife and toddler son were assaulted in a parking lot!. Good luck! ;-)=

Answer 6

~get a lawyer~