Victim Impact Statements

The Cape Girardeau Prosecuting Attorney’s Office supplies each crime victim with a Victim Impact Statement.

The Victim Impact Statement is the best opportunity for the victim to make sure that his or her thoughts are made known to the judge prior to sentencing. It should be filled out as quickly as possible and returned to the prosecutor’s office. Our Victim Advocate will make sure that it is promptly filed with the court. Once the defendant has been found guilty or has pled guilty, the judge will look at the Victim Impact Statement to help make the correct decision regarding punishment. For reasons of judicial ethics, the judge will NOT look at the Victim Impact Statement unless and until a defendant has been found guilty.

The Victim Impact Statement gives the victim the chance to put into writing for the judge the impact that the crime has had upon the victim. It also allows the victim to make a recommendation as to restitution, plus (if desired) a recommendation as to the appropriate sentence.

A Victim Advocate will be glad to help in any way with questions regarding the completion of the Victim Impact Statement.