Skip to main content

Exit WCAG Theme

Switch to Non-ADA Website

Accessibility Options

Select Text Sizes

Select Text Color

Website Accessibility Information Close Options
Close Menu
 Iamele & Iamele LLP. Baltimore Personal Injury Lawyers
  • Schedule a Free Consultation

The Importance of Victim Impact Statements

Reprinted from the Baltimore City State’s Attorney Website

Crime victims have the right to submit what are known as victim impact statements, and the State’s Attorney’s Office strongly encourages victims to exercise this important right.

What is a victim impact statement?

In an impact statement, a victim provides an explanation of how the crime affected you, your family, or even your community. Statements should include:

  • A “brief” summary of the harm or trauma suffered by the victim or family as a result of the crime.
  • A summary of the economic loss or damage suffered by the victim as a result of the crime. Include requests for restitution for out-of-pocket expenses.
  • A concise statement of what outcome the victim would like and the reasons to support this opinion, including support for or opposition to treatment or community service programs.
  • Highlights about the victim, past accomplishments, hopes for the future, and what the crime has done to change these activities.
  • The overall effect the crime has had on the victim and family.

Why is a victim impact statement so important?

After a defendant pleads guilty or is found guilty of a crime, a Judge sentences the defendant. The Judge responsible for sentencing the defendant reads and considers victim impact statements before setting the sentence.

What else should I know about victim impact statements?

A victim impact statement submitted to the Court becomes part of the criminal case file. As a result, everyone involved in the case will receive a copy, including the Judge prosecutor, defendant, defense lawyer, and probation officer.

Is a victim required to submit a victim impact statement?

No. There is no obligation to compose and submit a victim impact statement.

Where are victim impact statements to be sent?

Victim impact statements can be submitted in one of three ways: through this Web site, by mail, or by fax.

Victim impact statements can be composed and submitted online by clicking here.

To submit by mail, send to:

The Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City

Communications and Community Affairs Division

100 North Calvert Street, Suite 302

Baltimore, MD 21202

To submit by fax, send to:

410-637-3172

To review the elements of a standard victim impact statement, click here.

Still have questions?

If you have any questions or need assistance, please call the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City’s Victim and Witness Division at 410-396-1897.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Case Results

  • $2,500,000.00
    Wrongful Death
    Sulton v. Baltimore County, et al. United States District Court Case No. 1:18-CV-02864
  • $2,000,000.00
    Negligent Security
    Client injured when crowd surge caused him to be pushed under a Light Rail Train
  • $500,000
    Police Misconduct
    Confidential Settlement, Baltimore City Circuit Court
  • $230,000.00
    Police Misconduct
    Client suffered fractured and displaced vertebrae while being handcuffed.
  • $500,000.00
    Medical Malpractice
    Inadequate Care - Confidential Settlement
  • Previous
  • Next

Free Initial Consultations

Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Auto, Truck and Most Accident cases are accepted with no fees or expenses to the client.

Skip footer and go back to main navigation