Oklahoma AG Mike Hunter laid out plans for Marsy's Law week before it goes into effect
OKLAHOMA CITY — A law that will empower victims of crime in Oklahoma goes into effect next week.
State Question 794, which is also known as Marsy's Law, guarantees victims of their rights and allows them to be heard. On Tuesday, Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter gave an update to how Marsy's Law will work, and he and other victims rights advocates spoke about the necessity for it.
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KOCO News 5
Oklahoma AG Mike Hunter laid out plans for Marsy’s Law week before it goes into effect
October 23, 2019
It has been about five years since Ben and Ky Crockett, of Stillwater, had to bury their son Jacob. He was brutally murdered by someone he considered a friend.
They told KOCO 5 that the weeks after the slaying felt like a slap in the face.
"They talked about the man that killed our son and his rights, his attorneys," Ky Crockett said. "I kept on thinking to myself, 'Well, what about Jacob?' And I thought we're almost forgotten."
That's what advocates of Marsy's Law will correct. Hunter laid out the plan for Oklahoma's version of the law, which would grant victims the same level of protection as the defendant.
"This means crime victims must be informed of their rights, in writing, by a law enforcement agent," Hunter said. "Then, once the DA chooses to prosecute an alleged criminal, the victim will get notified again by the DA."
Victims would also be allowed to have input in court proceedings. The Attorney General's Office is also required to post a set of victims rights groups and other resources on its website.