ALEX DeCROCE’S LAW ENHANCING CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS

Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce / 973-884-6190
Assemblyman Bob Schroeder / 201-391-3673

Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi / 201-666-0881

Assembly Republican Press Office / 609-847-3400

BILL WOULD STRENGTHEN PROTECTIONS FOR CRIME VICTIMS –

WHICH THE LATE REPUBLICAN LEADER ALEX DeCROCE STRONGLY SUPPORTED

            Bipartisan legislation enhancing the rights of crime victims was approved by Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee today. It is named for the former Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce, who championed the rights of crime victims.

            “Alex DeCroce’s Law,” is sponsored by Assembly Republicans BettyLou DeCroce, Bob Schroeder and Holly Schepisi.

            “This bill builds upon the rights of crime victims that Alex and I fought so hard to secure through a public referendum that changed the constitution,” said BettyLou DeCroce, R-Morris, Essex and Passaic, a former trustee of the New Jersey Crime Victims’ Law Center. “As the court process plays out, crime victims deserve equal, if not preferential treatment from the court system. They deserve to know when hearings will occur, be safe from intimidation and receive fair compensation for their losses.”

            The bipartisan bill, A-2380, would ensure:

• Victims are notified about the progress of their case, including any changes in the court schedule.
• Protect them from harassment or abuse by defendants or their supporters.
• Provide medical assistance that is related to the crime.
• Guarantee compensation for losses sustained by the victim.
• Give greater consideration to a victim’s impact statement.
• Allow victims to display a picture or wear a button in support of a murdered loved one in court.

“Crime victims deserve our empathy and protection as they endure the process of bringing criminals to justice,” Assemblyman Bob Schroeder, R-Bergen and Passaic, said. “They help prevent others from having to suffer the same ordeal they have experienced, and we need to do everything we can to support them. I’m honored to continue to advance the rights of crime victims in the name of Alex DeCroce. ”

            Alex DeCroce sponsored and advocated for the Victims’ Rights Amendment – a landmark amendment to the New Jersey Constitution that guaranteed the rights of crime victims. After voters approved the amendment, crime victims’ rights were constitutionally-protected in 1991.

Alex DeCroce had sponsored legislation strengthening those rights for several sessions and his measure was on the agenda, but not called for a vote, on the last day of the 214^th Legislature. The former Assembly Republican leader died in the Statehouse that night after the session ended.

            “Alex DeCroce revolutionized the way crime victims are treated in New Jersey and this legislation will ensure that innocent people are not re-victimized during the legal process,” Schepisi, R-Bergen and Passaic, said. “The fair and compassionate treatment of victims is a pillar of our judicial system.”