The Courtney Wild Reinforcing Crime Victims' Rights Act aims to significantly strengthen the rights of crime victims in federal and District of Columbia offenses. It expands existing rights, ensuring victims are informed and can confer about any agreement that could resolve a case or investigation, including plea bargains and pretrial diversion. Victims will also receive a crime victims' rights card listing their rights and information about legal assistance, including pro bono options. The bill mandates that Department of Justice employees make their best efforts to accord these rights, with courts confirming compliance and issuing orders to cure noncompliance. However, the government may request to delay according rights if it threatens safety, an investigation, national security, or premature disclosure, subject to court review and a 90-day limit. Courts can order appropriate remedies if the government fails to comply, and the government must provide general information on seeking pro bono legal representation. Victims or their lawful representatives can assert these rights in district court, with attorneys allowed to enter appearances and access case records, and motions for relief must be decided forthwith. If denied, victims can petition the court of appeals for an expedited writ of mandamus , which must be decided within 72 hours. The bill also outlines specific conditions for reopening plea or sentencing proceedings, particularly for victims who were denied their right to be heard or did not receive timely notice, provided certain criteria regarding the accused's plea or sentence are met. Furthermore, victims gain the ability to move for the annulment of deferred prosecution or nonprosecution agreements if their right to confer was violated, leading to a court hearing. Upon finding a rights violation, courts are mandated to order a just and appropriate remedy , which may include reopening a proceeding, while respecting defendants' constitutional rights and other victims' interests. Prevailing victims are also entitled to an award of reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses , and key terms like "crime victim," "lawful representative," and "timely" are explicitly defined to clarify the scope of these protections. To ensure accountability, the Act establishes an Administrative Authority under the Inspector General of the Department of Justice to receive and investigate complaints regarding rights violations. This authority will issue decisions within 180 days, with the discretion to impose fines or reimburse victims for costs, and decisions can be appealed to the Inspector General. The Attorney General must also issue rules and submit regular reports to Congress detailing the number and outcomes of complaints, disciplinary actions, and specific information on districts and attorneys involved.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Crime and Law Enforcement
Courtney Wild Reinforcing Crime Victims’ Rights Act
USA119th CongressHR-5506| House
| Updated: 9/18/2025
The Courtney Wild Reinforcing Crime Victims' Rights Act aims to significantly strengthen the rights of crime victims in federal and District of Columbia offenses. It expands existing rights, ensuring victims are informed and can confer about any agreement that could resolve a case or investigation, including plea bargains and pretrial diversion. Victims will also receive a crime victims' rights card listing their rights and information about legal assistance, including pro bono options. The bill mandates that Department of Justice employees make their best efforts to accord these rights, with courts confirming compliance and issuing orders to cure noncompliance. However, the government may request to delay according rights if it threatens safety, an investigation, national security, or premature disclosure, subject to court review and a 90-day limit. Courts can order appropriate remedies if the government fails to comply, and the government must provide general information on seeking pro bono legal representation. Victims or their lawful representatives can assert these rights in district court, with attorneys allowed to enter appearances and access case records, and motions for relief must be decided forthwith. If denied, victims can petition the court of appeals for an expedited writ of mandamus , which must be decided within 72 hours. The bill also outlines specific conditions for reopening plea or sentencing proceedings, particularly for victims who were denied their right to be heard or did not receive timely notice, provided certain criteria regarding the accused's plea or sentence are met. Furthermore, victims gain the ability to move for the annulment of deferred prosecution or nonprosecution agreements if their right to confer was violated, leading to a court hearing. Upon finding a rights violation, courts are mandated to order a just and appropriate remedy , which may include reopening a proceeding, while respecting defendants' constitutional rights and other victims' interests. Prevailing victims are also entitled to an award of reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses , and key terms like "crime victim," "lawful representative," and "timely" are explicitly defined to clarify the scope of these protections. To ensure accountability, the Act establishes an Administrative Authority under the Inspector General of the Department of Justice to receive and investigate complaints regarding rights violations. This authority will issue decisions within 180 days, with the discretion to impose fines or reimburse victims for costs, and decisions can be appealed to the Inspector General. The Attorney General must also issue rules and submit regular reports to Congress detailing the number and outcomes of complaints, disciplinary actions, and specific information on districts and attorneys involved.