1. (a) Information to all victims. After initial contact between a victim and a law enforcement agency responsible for investigating a crime, the agency shall promptly give in writing to the victim:

   1. (1) an explanation of the victim’s rights under this chapter and chapter 167 of this title;

   2. (2) information concerning the availability of:

      1. (A) assistance to victims, including medical, housing, counseling, and emergency services;
      2. (B) compensation for victims under chapter 167 of this title, and the name, street address, and telephone number of the Center for Crime Victim Services;
      3. (C) protection for the victim, including protective court orders; and
      4. (D) access by the victim and the defendant to records related to the case which are public under the provisions of 1 V.S.A. chapter 5, subchapter 3 (access to public records).

2. (b) Information to victims of listed crimes. As soon as practicable, the law enforcement agency shall use reasonable efforts to give to the victim of a listed crime, as relevant, all of the following:

   1. (1) Information as to the accused’s identity unless inconsistent with law enforcement purposes.
   2. (2) Information as to whether the accused has been taken into custody.
   3. (3) The file number of the case and the name, office street address, and telephone number of the law enforcement officer currently assigned to investigate the case.
   4. (4) The prosecutor’s name, office street address, and telephone number.
   5. (5) An explanation that no individual is under an obligation to respond to questions that may be asked outside a courtroom or deposition.
   6. (6) Information concerning any bail or conditions of release imposed on the defendant by a judicial officer prior to arraignment or an initial court appearance.

(Added 1995, No. 170 (Adj. Sess.), § 10, eff. Sept. 1, 1996; amended 2015, No. 97 (Adj. Sess.), § 76; 2015, No. 155 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)