HB1943: Crime victim rights; notification from the attorney for the Commonwealth.

Legislative Summary

Crime victim rights; notification from the attorney for the Commonwealth. Requires an attorney for the Commonwealth to consult with a crime victim in a felony case to (i) inform the victim of the contents of a proposed plea agreement and (ii) obtain the victim's views about the disposition of the case. The bill provides that the victim shall be notified of any proceeding in which the plea agreement will be tendered to the court. The bill also provides that the attorney for the Commonwealth may satisfy his notification responsibilities by consulting with a parent or guardian of an unemancipated minor victim, if the parent or guardian is not a suspect, person of interest, or defendant in the criminal investigation of the proceeding. Under current law, such consultation and notification is required only upon the victim's request.