Commissioners support Marsy’s Law

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SIDNEY — Shelby County commissioners have passed a resolution in support of an effort to solidy victims’ rights in Ohio.

During their regular meeting, Thursday, July 20, Commissioners Bob Guillozet and Tony Bornhorst heard a presentation by Emily Hunter, of Columbus, the Northwest field director of Marsy’s Law for Ohio, and Tiffany Kemp, executive director of Shelby County Victim Services.

Marsy’s Law is named after a woman who was murdered in California in the 1980s. Released on bail just days after his arrest, the perpetrator bumped into the victim’s family as they were grocery shopping. The family had not been told of his release.

According to Hunter, the Marsy’s Law for Ohio initiative would amend the state constitution to ensure victims’ rights.

“All the rights in Marsy’s Law are already in the Ohio Revised Code,” she said. Making them constitutionally-provided rights would strengthen their enforcement.

“I’m a survivor of sexual assault. I made a pledge to fight for victims’ rights to the very end,” Hunter said. She added that Marsy’s Law has received approval by 87 percent of informed voters. It has been added to the constitutions of California, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Illinois. Supporters hope to get all 50 states to ratify the amendment.

“It’s a citizen-initiated amendment,” Hunter said.

“When there’s a plea change, for instance, the victim is not in the court. This holds prosecutors accountable,” Kemp added.

There wasn’t much discussion between the two commissioners before Bornhorst moved to endorse the proposal.

“As a former law enforcement officer, I’ve seen victims not treated well,” Guillozet said.

He questioned whether the measure would lead to additional costs for counties. Hunter said it would not.

A brochure provided by Hunter said that Marsy’s Law would guarantee the following rights:

• To be treated with courtesy, fairness and respect for their dignity and privacy throughout the criminal justice proceedings.

• To receive information about their rights and the services available to crime victims.

• To receive timely notification of proceedings and other major developments in the cases.

• To receive timely notification of changes to the offender’s custodial status.

• To be present at court proceedings and to provide input to a prosecutor before a plea agreement is finalized.

• To be heard at plea or sentencing proceedings or any process that may result in the offerder’s release.

• To restitution.

By Patricia Ann Speelman

[email protected]

Reach the writer at 937-538-4824.

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