District Of Columbia § 23-1902 - Notice to crime victims.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 23-1902 — Notice to crime victims., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 23-1902. Notice to crime victims.
23-1902The head of each department and agency of the District of Columbia engaged in the detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime or in the judicial process shall designate the persons who will be responsible for identifying the victims of crime and performing the services described in subsection (c) of this section at each stage of a criminal case.
At the earliest opportunity after the detection of a crime at which it may be done without interfering with an investigation, a responsible official shall identify the victim or victims of a crime.
At the earliest opportunity after the detection of a crime at which it may be done without interfering with an investigation, a responsible official shall inform identified victims of:
Their right to receive the services described in this subsection and a listing of their bill of rights as contained in section 23-1901;
The name, title, business address and telephone number of the responsible official to whom the victim should address a request for assistance to obtain the services described in this subsection;
The place where the victim may receive emergency medical and social services;
Any restitution, crime victims’ compensation, crime victims’ assistance or other relief for which the victim may be eligible under this or any other law and the manner in which such relief may be obtained;
The names and phone numbers of public and private victim assistance programs that are available to provide counseling, treatment, and other support to the victim;
The procedure and resources available for reasonable protection of the victim; and
The police report number, if available, and other identifying case information.
During the investigation and prosecution of a crime, a responsible official shall provide the victim, to the extent possible, with timely notice of the:
Status of the investigation of the crime, to the extent it is appropriate to inform the victim and to the extent that it will not interfere with the investigation;
Arrest of a suspected offender;
Filing of criminal charges, the nolle prosequi of the case, or the dismissal of all charges against a suspected offender;
Date of each scheduled court proceeding and any scheduling changes;
Release or detention status of an offender or suspected offender;
Acceptance of a plea of guilty, nolo contendere or an Alford plea, or the rendering of a verdict after trial; and
Sentence or disposition imposed on an offender, including the date on which the offender will be eligible for parole or release.
After trial, a responsible official shall provide a victim with timely notice of the:
Scheduling of a release, parole, record-sealing, or post-conviction hearing for the offender.
Escape, work release, furlough, or any other form of release from custody of the offender; and
Death of the offender, if the offender dies while in custody or under supervision.
The victim or the representative of the victim appointed by the court has a continuing obligation to provide the appropriate investigative, prosecutive, judicial, or correctional agency with correct and up-to-date information on the victim’s name and address or an alternate means by which the victim can be given notice.
This section does not create a cause of action or defense in favor of any person arising out of the failure of a responsible person to provide information as required by this chapter.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 23-1902
What does D.C. Code § 23-1902 cover?
Section 23-1902 ("Notice to crime victims.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 23-1902?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 23-1902" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 23-1902 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.