Many forms do not allow enough space for you to fully express yourself and some instructions may be confusing. If you have been given a Victim Impact Statement form, ask your MADD Victim Advocate or prosecuting attorney if you are required to use it or if you may write your Victim Impact Statement using your own paper. Use the questions below to help you determine your state’s procedures when writing your Victim Impact Statement. You can ask your MADD Victim Advocate or prosecuting attorney to help you answer the questions. Circle the answers so that you can refresh your memory as the trial date approaches. • Will I be allowed to read my Victim Impact Statement at the sentencing of the convicted offender? Y / N • Will I be allowed to put my statement on video or audio rather than appearing in court to present my statement? Y / N • Will I be able to discuss the physical impact of the crime on my life and/or my loved one’s life? Y / N • Will I be able to discuss the mental and emotional impact of the crime on mine and/or my loved one’s life? Y / N • Will I be able to discuss the financial impact of the crime on mine and/or my loved one’s life? Y / N • Will I be able to ask the court to make the offender pay for the financial costs of the crime (restitution payments)? Y / N • Will I be able to offer my opinion about what should happen to the offender? Y / N • If the case is plea-bargained, will I be able to present my statement? Y / N • If the offender goes to prison, will my written statement be placed in the offender’s prison records? Y / N • Will I be informed and afforded the right to prepare a revised statement when the offender comes up for parole or probation? Y / N In addition to the questions above, ask your MADD Victim Advocate and/or prosecutor if they have other information about Victim Impact Statements to share with you.
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