As defined by Iowa Code Section 915.10(3), you are considered a crime victim if you are:

• A person who has suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm as a result of a public offense or delinquent act
• The immediate family member(s) of a victim who has died or was rendered incompetent as a result of the offense
• The immediate family member(s) of a victim who was under the age of eighteen years of age at the time of the offense

To ensure you receive all information relevant to the case in which you are involved, you need to register as a victim by:

• Returning a completed "Victim Registration Form" to our office
• Calling our office to provide your contact information
• Responding to our written notifications

At the time of sentencing, a victim or survivor has the right to submit a victim impact statement to the court.  This statement may be presented in person or in writing.  The statement affords victims the opportunity to publicly state the effects of crime on themselves and their families.  This statement is not offered to determine guilt.  A victim may seek the assistance of advocates or survivors when preparing and presenting the victim impact statement.