Legal Definitions - victim-impact statement

A victim-impact statement is a formal declaration presented in court during the sentencing phase of a criminal trial. Its primary purpose is to provide the judge or jury with a comprehensive understanding of how the crime has affected the victim and their family. This statement can detail various consequences, including financial losses, physical injuries, and emotional or psychological trauma, thereby helping the court grasp the full extent of the harm caused before determining an appropriate sentence for the convicted individual.

• Example 1: After a Serious Assault

  Following a conviction for a violent assault that left the victim with a broken arm and severe facial bruising, the victim delivers a victim-impact statement. In it, they describe the chronic pain they now experience, the significant medical bills incurred, and the psychological impact of feeling vulnerable and anxious in public spaces. They also explain how the physical injuries prevented them from working for several months, leading to lost income and financial strain. This statement helps the court understand the physical, financial, and psychological toll the assault has taken on the victim's life.

• Example 2: After a Burglary and Theft

  A family whose home was burglarized and many valuable, sentimental items stolen chooses to submit a victim-impact statement. They detail not only the financial cost of replacing the stolen goods and repairing property damage but also the profound emotional distress. They describe feeling violated and unsafe in their own home, suffering from sleepless nights, and the irreplaceable loss of family heirlooms that held deep personal meaning. This statement illustrates how a property crime can have significant psychological and emotional impacts beyond just monetary loss.

• Example 3: After a Fatal Drunk Driving Incident

  In a case where a drunk driver caused a fatal accident, the adult children of the deceased victim present a victim-impact statement. They speak about the overwhelming grief and sorrow they experience daily, the sudden loss of their parent's companionship and guidance, and the financial hardship caused by the loss of their parent's income, which supported the family. They also describe the emotional trauma of having to plan a funeral under such tragic circumstances. This example highlights how a victim-impact statement can convey the devastating and multifaceted impact of a crime on the victim's family, even when the direct victim is no longer able to speak for themselves.