Office of Crime Victim Services

Crime Victims Rights Board

 

The Crime Victims Rights Board (CVRB) operates by authority of Wis. Stat. Chapter 950.09 to review and investigate complaints filed by victims of crime regarding their crime victim rights.

 

Mission Statement

The mission of the Wisconsin Crime Victims Rights Board, as an independent quasi-judicial body, is to enforce the provision of crime victims' rights by:

 

  • Reviewing complaints
  • Imposing remedies for violations
  • Producing reports that identify victims' rights issues
  • Recommending best practices for providing services to crime victims and protecting their rights.

 

WisconsinEye Video: Legally Speaking - Crime Victims' Rights Board

 

Statutory Authority and Structure

The Crime Victims Rights Board (CVRB) was created by Wis. Stat 15.255(2) and operates by authority of Wis. Stat. Chapter 950.09 to review and investigate complaints filed by victims of crime regarding their crime victim rights. The Board is attached to the Department of Justice for administrative purposes.  The Department assigns staff to provide case management and investigative assistance and legal counsel; however, the Board is an independent quasi-judicial body whose actions are not subject to review or approval of the attorney general.

 

The Board has authority to order remedies if it finds that a violation of victims' rights has occurred.  The Board may issue private or public reprimands of public officials, employees or agencies; refer cases involving an alleged violation by a judge to the Judicial Commission; seek appropriate equitable relief on behalf of a victim in order to protect his/her rights (the Board may not seek to reverse, appeal or modify a judgment of conviction); and to bring civil actions to assess a forfeiture of up to $1000 for intentional violations. The statute also authorizes the Board to issue reports and recommendations, whether or not a violation occurred, concerning the provision of victim rights and services.

 

Current Appointees

The Board consists of five members serving 4-year terms

 

Appointee Appointing Authority Seat Held Term Expires
Trisha Anderson, CVRB Chair Attorney General Victim/Witness Professional Seat May 1, 2015
Sheriff Paul Susienka Attorney General Law Enforcement Seat May 1, 2013
Charles McGee Wisconsin Crime Victims Council Citizen Seat May 1, 2016
Carmen Pitre Governor Citizen Seat May 1, 2011
District Attorney Tim Gruenke Wisconsin District Attorney's Association Wisconsin District Attorney's Association May 1, 2013

 

CVRB Publications:

Sample Victim Information Form for Law Enforcement Compliance with Chapter 950 (Updated April 2012)

A Compilation of Best Practice Recommendations Issued by the CVRB 1999 - March 2011

CVRB Case Statistics (Updated March 2011)

Special Report: Duty of Law Enforcement to Provide Written Information to Victims

Special Report: A Victim’s Right to a Speedy Disposition

2010 Report of the Crime Victims Rights Board

Frequently Asked Questions About the Board

2004 CVRB Report

 

Statutory and Constitutional Provisions

Constitutional Amendment: Victims' Rights (Art. 1, Sec. 9m, Wis. Const.)Victims' Rights Amendment
Victims of crime. Section 9m. [As created April 1993] This state shall treat crime victims, as defined by law, with fairness, dignity and respect for their privacy. This state shall ensure that crime victims have all of the following privileges and protections as provided by law:

 

the opportunity to attend court proceedings unless the trial court finds sequestration is necessary to a fair trial for the defendant;

reasonable protection from the accused throughout the criminal justice process;

notification of court proceedings;

the opportunity to confer with the prosecution;

the opportunity to make a statement to the court at disposition;

restitution;

compensation; and

information about the outcome of the case and the release of the accused.

 

The legislature shall provide remedies for the violation of this section. Nothing in this section, or in any statute enacted pursuant to this section, shall limit any right of the accused which may be provided by law.
History: 1993 J.R. 2, vote April 1993.

Rights of Victims and Witnesses of Crime: Wis. Stat. Chapter 950

 

Related Statutes

Administrative Rules: Crime Victims' Rights Board [PDF]

Child victims and witnesses; duty to expedite proceedings: 971.105

Consultation With and Notices to Victim: 971.095
Crime Victim Compensation : Wis. Stat. Chapter 949
Exclusion of Witnesses: 906.15
Inquiry Before a Plea 971.08(1)(d)
Inquiry upon dismissal 971.315
Pre-sentence investigation 972.15
Restitution 973.20

Speedy Trial 971.10

Statements before sentencing 972.14

Waiting area for victims and witnesses 967.10

 

Staff to Board

The Department of Justice has assigned staff to the Board for administrative purposes. They are not assigned full-time to the Board but rather perform CVRB functions, as needed, in addition to their Department of Justice responsibilities.

 

Bruce Olsen, Assistant Attorney General, Wisconsin Department of Justice
Duties: Legal counsel to the Board

 

Julie Braun, Wisconsin Department of Justice
Duties: Operations Director

 

Diana Davison, Wisconsin Department of Justice
Duties: Administrative support

 

Email the Crime Victims’ Rights Board.

 

CVRB Frequently Asked Questions