§ 16-90-1112 - Victim impact statement. - Arkansas Statutes

16-90-1112. Victim impact statement.

(a) (1) Before imposing sentence, the court shall permit the victim to present a victim impact statement concerning the effects of the crime on the victim, the circumstances surrounding the crime, and the manner in which the crime was perpetrated.

(2) The victim may present the statement in writing before the sentencing proceeding or orally under oath at the sentencing proceeding.

(b) The court shall give copies of all written victim impact statements to the prosecuting attorney and the defendant.

(c) The sentencing court shall consider the victim impact statement along with other factors, but if the victim impact statement includes new material factual information upon which the court intends to rely, the court shall adjourn the sentencing proceeding or take other appropriate action to allow the defendant adequate opportunity to respond.