647 - Criteria. - New York Statutes

§ 647. Criteria. Fair treatment standards for crime victims in the courts shall provide that: 1. The court shall consider the views of the victim of a violent felony offense, a felony involving physical injury to the victim, a felony involving property loss or damage in excess of two hundred fifty dollars, a felony involving attempted or threatened physical injury or property loss or damage in excess of two hundred fifty dollars or a felony involving larceny against the person, or of the family of a homicide victim or minor child, regarding discretionary decisions relating to the criminal case, including, but not limited to, plea agreements and sentence. In addition, the court shall consider the views of the victim or family of the victim, as appropriate, concerning the release of the defendant in the victim's case pending judicial proceedings upon an indictment, and concerning the availability of sentencing alternatives such as community supervision and restitution from the defendant. The failure of the court to consider the views of the victim or family of the victim shall not be cause for delaying the proceedings against the defendant nor shall it affect the validity of a conviction, judgment or order. 2. The victims and other prosecution witnesses shall, where possible, be provided, when awaiting court appearances, a secure waiting area that is separate from all other witnesses. 3. The court shall assist in and expedite the return of property held for evidentiary purposes unless there is a compelling reason for retaining it relating to proof at trial. 4. Victim assistance education shall be given to judicial and nonjudicial personnel of the unified court system so that victims may be promptly, properly and completely assisted.