Resources for Victims
H Lee Thompson at The Thompson Law Firm is serious about victims of crimes finding help and support.
Attorney H Lee Thompson encourages you to contact his office to protect your legal rights if you have been a victim of crime. Attorney Thompson’s hard work for injured clients has earned him a place in Who’s Who in American Law, Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in the Midwest, and Who’s Who in the World.
Throughout his career, Attorney Thompson has been an active member of many prestigious professional organizations. From 1995 to 1997, he served as an executive board member of the Birth Trauma Litigation counsel of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America’s Medical Negligence Litigation Group. In 2000, H. Lee Thompson acted as chairman of the Professional Negligence Section of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America. Attorney Thompson has also lectured and presented for the Association of Trial Lawyers of America.
Attorney H. Lee Thompson is affiliated with the American College of Legal Medicine, the Medical Negligence Exchange Group, the Ohio Association of Trial Lawyers Board of Trustees, the Ohio Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the National Bar Association, the American Board of Forensic Examiners, American Association for Justice, the American Trial Lawyers Association, the National Association of Consumer Advocates, and is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Victims’ Rights FAQ
What You Should Know About Crime Victim’s Rights
Q: I was a victim of a crime, what rights do I have?
A: In the past twenty years, the Ohio General Assembly adopted a series of laws to help victims of crimes. Today, those victims in felony cases, including juvenile delinquency, and for misdemeanors involving threatened or actual violence have the right to be informed of the legal process and the right to be heard in court. Victims also have the right to be present anytime the defendant is present and the proceeding is on the record.
Q: What information can I get from the police and prosecutor about my case?
A: The law requires that law enforcement officials provide you certain information when conducting an investigation. Specifically, you are to be notified if an arrest has been made. When it is appropriate and practical, the prosecutor should meet with you and brief you on pre-trial matters, and upon your request must provide you with notices of proceedings, convictions, and appeals.
Q: Will I have to come in contact with my assailant?
A: The court will make a reasonable effort to minimize contact between victims and defendants. When possible, they will make separate waiting rooms available and if you are concerned about potential intimidation by the offender, the court can prevent disclosure of your personal information.
Q: The offender has just been convicted, how can I be sure they get just punishment?
A: Since 1996, Ohio courts have taken a “truth in sentencing” approach with felony and serious misdemeanor offenders. What this does is allow victims to know with greater certainty the punishment to be imposed on their assailants. As the victim, you are permitted to comment at the sentencing and the impact the crime has had on you will be taken into consideration by the judge. Recent General Assembly bills too have broadened the restitution that can be ordered for victims who have lost personal items of value.
Q: What happens when my assailant gets out of jail?
A: Upon your request, the prison or jail in which your offender was housed is required to give you notice of their release. Victims can also get information regarding the offender’s parole status from the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction’s Victims’ Service Department.
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS’ RIGHTS
More resources for victims of crime
RESOURCE TOLL FREE TELEPHONE NUMBERS
TDD 800-826-7653
TYY 800-211-7966
Espanol 877-767-8432
TTY 800-487-4889
TTY 800-787-3224
TTY 800-553-2508
TTY 717-909-0715
