Columbia County Prosecutor’s Office

The Washington State Constitution and Washington statutes guarantee certain rights to victims of crimes in Washington state. The Washington State Constitution, Article I, Section 35 states in relevant part:

Upon notifying the prosecuting attorney, a victim of a crime charged as a felony shall have the right to be informed of and, subject to the discretion of the individual presiding over the trial or court proceedings, attend trial and all other court proceedings the defendant has the right to attend, and to make a statement at sentencing and at any proceeding where the defendant’s release is considered, subject to the same rules of procedure which govern the defendant’s rights. In the event the victim is deceased, incompetent, a minor, or otherwise unavailable, the prosecuting attorney may identify a representative to appear to exercise the victim’s rights.

While our office does frequently contact and work with victims of crimes, and make attempts to ensure their safety and comfort, our office is legally unable to and does not represent victims and witnesses to crimes, and maintains prosecutorial independence as a representative of the County and State in criminal courts.