Conclusion

To better incorporate victim input on negotiated plea agreements into the criminal justice process, concisely worded legislation that defines key terms can help avoid misconceptions by prosecutors and victims. Well-written statutory language that clarifies the prosecutor’s obligations toward victims encourages more consistent application of the right to confer for all victims. Moreover, certification of efforts to consult with victims before pleas can be accepted may be a valuable tool for ensuring compliance. Finally, criminal justice professionals should be familiar with laws governing victim input and should help victims understand their meaning.