Prosecutor

Victim Services

Shannon Boeschen
Pettis County Victim Advocate
(660)826-5000 ext. 452

Victims of crime are guaranteed certain notification rights and participation in the criminal justice system under an amendment to the Missouri Constitution and laws that took effect in 1993.

The rights discussed here automatically apply to victims of “dangerous felonies” (which may include: arson in the first degree, assault in the first degree, forcible rape, forcible sodomy, kidnapping, murder in the first or second degree, manslaughter, elder abuse in the first degree, robbery in the first degree, statutory rape and sodomy in the first degree (victim under 12 years old), abuse of a child, child kidnapping and parental kidnapping, or an attempt to commit one of these crimes). Victims of other crimes and witnesses to crimes may take advantage of these rights by written request to the appropriate agency.

General Rights To be present at all criminal proceedings where the defendant has that right, even if the victim is called to testify or may be called to testify as a witness in the case.

To confer with the prosecutor regarding bail hearings, guilty pleas, pleadings of insanity, hearings, sentencing and probation revocation hearings.

To be present at any hearing in which the defendant is present before a probation and parole hearing officer and to full participation in all phases of parole hearings or probation revocation hearings.

To be heard at juvenile probation revocation hearings, probation revocation and parole hearings initiated by the board of probation and parole, and release proceedings for persons found not guilty by reason of insanity.


Victims may offer a written statement, video or audio tape in lieu of a personal appearance.
To protection from harmful threats from a defendant, or persons acting on behalf of defendant, for activities arising out of cooperation with law enforcement officials, and the right to a secure waiting area during a court proceeding.

To speedy disposition of cases and speedy appellate review.

To fair employment rights (including the right of a victim, witness or member of a victim’s family not to be discharged or disciplined by an employer for honoring a subpoena or for participating in the preparation of a criminal proceeding).

To regain property from a prosecutor or law enforcement officer once it is no longer needed for evidence or retention during an appeal (within five working days upon request) unless it is contraband or subject to forfeiture proceedings.

To creditor intercession, services by the prosecuting attorney if the victim is unable, as a result of the crime, to temporarily meet financial obligations.

To limited compensation for out-of-pocket loss and for qualified medical care necessary as a result of the crime.

Track a Case
The Missouri Victim Automated Notification System (MoVANS) is a free, fully automated, information notification system that immediately notifies registered users upon a change in an offender’s incarceration and court status either by telephone or Internet. MOVANS uses the VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday), the National Victim Notification Network, and will:

*Tell you if an offender is in custody and will give you other important custody information.
*Inform you of the offender’s upcoming court dates
*Inform you of updated information regarding a scheduled parole hearing or release
*Provide you information regarding the status of a protection order. Petitioners can be notified immediately upon service of a protection order and of any changes to the court date and time.

Hotlines Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-392-3738
Child Safe of Central MO 1-660-829-3434
CASA (Domestic Violence Shelter) 1-660-827-555