(a)  In all misdemeanor cases heard before the district court, the victim of the alleged criminal offense shall be afforded the opportunity to address the court during the pretrial conference, unless the judge determines, based on the facts of the particular case, that the presence of the victim would substantially interfere with the court’s ability to administer justice. At the pretrial conference, the victim shall be afforded the opportunity to explain the impact which the defendant‘s criminal conduct has had upon the victim and to comment on the proposed disposition of the case.

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Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 12-28-4.3

  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Pretrial conference: A meeting of the judge and lawyers to discuss which matters should be presented to the jury, to review evidence and witnesses, to set a timetable, and to discuss the settlement of the case.

(b)  For the purposes of this section, “victim” is one who has sustained personal injury or loss of property directly attributable to the criminal conduct with which the defendant has been charged.

History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 405, § 2.