CT HB07314

Probation officers must notify crime victims and victim advocates of a probationer's arrest for violating probation conditions, provided contact information is available.

The Court Support Services Division must establish policies requiring notification of victims when a probationer is arrested for violating probation, and must provide victims notice of the first hearing date after arraignment plus information on registering for the statewide automated victim information and notification system.

Victims have the right to appear before the court and make a statement about the defendant's alleged probation violation, or alternatively submit a written statement that becomes part of the court record.

The court must consider any victim statement before determining whether a probation violation occurred and must dispose of or schedule a hearing on violation charges within 120 days of arraignment unless good cause is shown.

The act amends Connecticut General Statutes Section 53a-32 and takes effect October 1, 2019.