MADISON, WI (WTAQ) — Marsy’s Law is now the law of the land in Wisconsin after an overwhelming number of voters voted to approve the constitutional amendment during the April 7th election.
Just under 75% of voters approved the constitutional amendment, which grants additional rights to crime victims.
“What it means are that victims are entitled to notice, presence, and an opportunity to be heard,” Nela Kalpic, the outreach coordinator for Marsy’s Law Wisconsin, told WTAQ. “It does give them the right to stand up for themselves when they believe their rights are or about to be violated…they have a stronger voice, and that’s important.”
Among the rights now granted to victims is the right to be notified if an alleged perpetrator is released on bond. Victims will also get more opportunities to be heard during criminal proceedings. The law supersedes a similar 1993 amendment.
Marsy’s Law is named for Marsy Nicholas, who was stalked and murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 1983.
“Only a week after Marsy was murdered, her mother and brother walked into a grocery store and were confronted by the accused murder,” Kalpic explained.
Her murderer, Kerry Michael Conley, had been released on bond. Nicholas’ family was not notified. Conley was later found guilty and sentenced to life in prison.
Kalpic, a survivor of an abusive marriage, says the law means something to her, personally.
“What [it] means, really, is freedom.”
The 14 specific rights enumerated in the amendment include:
The measure provided crime victims with specific constitutional rights, including a right to:
- be treated with dignity, respect, courtesy, sensitivity, and fairness;
- privacy;
- the protection of information that could be used to determine the victim’s location, allow for harassment, or discover confidential information;
- the timely disposition of any criminal cases;
- be present at all criminal proceedings and hearings;
- reasonable protection from the alleged criminal;
- be notified of criminal proceedings and outcomes and of the release, escape, or death of the alleged criminal in a timely manner;
- confer with the government prosecutor;
- speak in any hearing related to the rights of the victim;
- submit information about the case to authorities;
- refuse an interview, deposition, or other discovery request made by the alleged criminal;
- restitution and compensation;
- receive restitution before the payment of any government fines, penalties, or debts; and
- be informed of all rights and protections granted by the constitutional amendment and related laws.
