Victims' Rights
If you are a victim of domestic violence or another crime, you need a lawyer to represent you and protect your rights. Board-certified lawyer Debra Sutton has been enforcing the rights of her clients since 1989.
She is ready to fight for victims' rights in Lakeland, Bartow, and St. Petersburg, FL, with two convenient offices.
What Are My Rights as a Crime Victim?
The Florida Office of the Attorney General has put forth a Crime Victims' Bill of Rights. If you are a victim of physical abuse, domestic violence, or any other type of crime in Florida, your rights include:
Respect
You must be treated with dignity, respect, and sensitivity by police and court officials, including the prosecutor and the defendant's lawyer.
Available Resources
You must be advised of which legal services and resources are available to you, including a choice of prosecutors.
Professional Protection
You must be offered the right to be kept safe through police escorts, relocation services, or a restraining order against the defendant or another person who might wish to do you harm.Compensation
You must have the right to apply for financial compensation, which will reimburse you for out-of-pocket costs associated with the crime perpetrated against you. A qualified attorney like Debra J. Sutton can make sure your application is timely, accurate, and complete.
Restitution
You must have the right to restitution from the offender. Like compensation, restitution is paid by the offender directly to you for economic damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and costs to repair your personal property.
Speedy Trial
This makes it easier for those affected by crimes to receive justice and move toward healing and closure once legal proceedings are over.
Access to Legal Protections
The best accessibility is accomplished when an attorney such as Debra J. Sutton takes charge of your case."If you have been subject to domestic violence or another criminal act, Debra will aggressively work to ensure your rights as a victim are respected in court."
Do I Qualify for Victims’ Rights?
Victims’ rights apply to anyone who has become the victim of a crime and any legal representatives, such as the appointed guardian of a victimized minor or next of kin. Most of these legal protections go into effect when the offender threatens, attempts, or commits a delinquent act resulting in harm, which can be:
Other rights are not automatic and must be requested, such as representation in proceedings that involve the potential release of the defendant. We can walk you through each step of the legal process, submit requests, and secure your rights to safety and other resources regarding your case.
If you are unsure whether victims’ rights apply to you, we can help you find out. Contact our staff or call our Lakeland, St. Petersburg, or Bartow office.
If you are unsure whether victims’ rights apply to you, we can help you find out. Contact our staff or call our Lakeland, St. Petersburg, or Bartow office.
Debra Sutton Is Prepared to Protect Your Rights
Our Legal Team Goes Above and Beyond “I will only use Sutton Law Firm in the future, they are the absolute best!”
Steve Steiner
Lakeland, FL
2024
I have known Debra and Matt on both a professional and personal basis for a number of years, and have recommended Sutton Law Firm to others, based on their expertise and guidance on legal matters I have encountered, knowing they can --- and have --- done so for a multitude of clients. While other law firms may boast they are on the side of their clients, and I am sure those are, Debra and Matt and their incredible support staff "walk the walk "
View on Googleserhiy barsukov
St Petersburg, FL
2024
Sutton Law Firm has personally helped me and my family in many situations. The team works together to create the best case for their clients. I will only use Sutton Law Firm in the future, they are the absolute best!
View on GoogleAre You in a Dangerous Situation?
Contact Debra J. Sutton Today
Debra J. Sutton is a compassionate, ethical, and aggressive victims' rights lawyer who is board certified in both Appellate and Marital and Family Law. She is one of only 6% of Florida attorneys to achieve certification, with less than 1% earning certification in family law. She welcomes clients from throughout Polk County and surrounding areas.
Your safety is our number-one priority, so if you are in a dangerous situation due to criminal activity such as a violent domestic situation, contact us immediately. Use our online form or call our Lakeland-based practice today to request a consultation:
(863) 533-8912
Ms. Sutton serves the central Florida area from our offices in Lakeland, Bartow, and St. Petersburg.
Understanding Marsy's Law "It elevates the rights of a victim."
Debra J. Sutton explains Marsy's Law, which is relatively new legislation in Florida that grants victims many rights in the interest of their safety.
Victims' Rights Offered by Marsy’s Law
This state constitutional amendment acts as an expanded Bill of Rights for those affected violently by state or federal crimes in Florida. Named after a California homicide victim, it provides or improves protections for crime victims and their families. This groundbreaking amendment was adopted into Florida's state constitution in January 2019 and provides a detailed list of the rights afforded to people affected by crimes. These rights include:
All of our clients are treated with the utmost sensitivity and discretion. It's important for clients to know their personal legal matters will be handled privately, and we carefully manage our schedule to preserve confidentiality.
Putting Marsy's Law Into Effect
Ms. Debra J. Sutton is ready to fight for your rights as a victim of domestic violence or other crimes. She takes your rights as a crime victim very seriously and is prepared to take the actions necessary to uphold those rights.
Within weeks of Marsy’s Law going into effect in Florida, Ms. Sutton filed a challenge on behalf of a victim of domestic abuse. This woman was not notified when the court offered the accused a plea deal, denying her the right to provide the court with relevant information during sentencing. This appears to be the first use of Marsy’s Law in Florida.
You Don't Have to Fight Alone
Call the Sutton Law Firm Today
If you are a victim of a crime, you may feel overwhelmed and scared. You don't have to fight alone. Attorney Debra J. Sutton will fight for your rights and guide you along the way to ensure that you have the support you need. We have offices in Lakeland, St. Petersburg, and Bartow, FL, for your convenience.
You have rights before, during, and after your accuser is prosecuted, and our team will fight tirelessly for you throughout. Contact us using our form or call our Lakeland-based law offices at:
(863) 533-8912
Victims' Rights May Apply to Your Situation
Having victims' rights in the aftermath of a criminal act may seem obvious, but you also have these same rights when the perpetrator of violence is someone close to you. Many clients don't even realize that they could be eligible for victims' rights when going through situations like:
Divorce
Divorces can become contentious quickly, and if you're still living with your soon-to-be ex, you may become a victim of domestic violence. Exes can become verbally abusive, withhold money, or even resort to physical violence when divorces turn sour. Debra Sutton can help protect you and make the case that you deserve more than your abusive ex in your divorce.
Child Custody
People can become aggressive when they think their access to their children may be limited or revoked. If your child's other parent has made threats or resorted to physical or psychological harm, our attorney can help prove that your child is safer with you and hold your abusive ex accountable for their actions and threats.
In these cases, you may be able to achieve justice by pressing charges, securing an order of protection, or suing for compensation.
While our law firm, serving Lakeland, St. Petersburg, and Bartow, mostly focuses on divorce and family law cases, we also aim to uphold the rights of people who have been victims of criminal acts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Victims' Rights
What do I do if I already have a protection order and the accuser does not abide by that order?
Contact law enforcement immediately. If your protection order is being violated, first contact the authorities, and then contact your attorney. We will ensure the prosecutor is notified and appropriate action can be taken to protect you.
My attacker was released and I wasn't notified. What do I do?
Contact our office; we will ensure your rights have been upheld. We will first determine if an attempt was made to notify you. Crime victims in Florida must fill out a notification card if they wish to be notified about changes in their case, such as the defendant being released. It is also the victim's responsibility to inform the state of changes such as a change of address should you wish to be notified. If a reasonable attempt was not made to notify you, we will pursue appropriate legal action.
Are these rights still valid if the victim is a minor?
Yes. Oftentimes, notifications regarding cases will be given to the victim's parent and/or guardian. However, a victim who is a minor still has the same rights as an adult.
I had property stolen. Can I get it back?
Yes. Unless there is a compelling legal reason to withhold that property, it will be returned to its rightful owner. It is sometimes held for evidentiary purposes, but then must be returned under Florida law.
Have more questions? Contact our law offices in Lakeland, St. Petersburg, or Bartow to request a consultation today.
More Happy Lakeland Clients “I highly recommend Sutton Law Firm!”
Bjorn Brunvand
Bartow, FL
2024
I highly recommend this law firm. They provide excellent and passionate representation for their clients.
View on GoogleMelanie Carson
St Petersburg, FL
2024
Ms. Sutton and her partners go above and beyond to take care of their clients and their difficult cases. She has been in the area for many years and has been a part of many high profile cases. I highly recommend Sutton Law Firm!
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