HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_014040
This document highlights the complexities surrounding crime victims' rights, particularly in the context of pre-charging scenarios, which could have implications for victims of Jeffrey Epstein's alleged crimes. It underscores the potential for victims to be excluded from critical stages of the legal process, such as plea negotiations, which is particularly relevant given the allegations of Epstein's extensive network and the handling of his cases.
- The Crime Victims’ Rights Act (CVRA) extends to federal crime victims the right to 'confer' with prosecutors.
- The Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) argued that victims of federal crimes have no CVRA rights during a federal criminal investigation.
- Senator Jon Kyl objected to the Department’s conclusions, emphasizing that victims should have rights even before formal charges are filed.