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The Law Office of Nina Salarno Ashford

& Crime Victims United of California

presents:

Utilizing Marsy’s Law, the four court systems and creative recovery solutions to assist

victims of crime in a court of law

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Two offices, one missionHarriet Salarno, founder and chair

of Crime Victims United of CaliforniaNina Salarno Ashford, former

prosecutor and attorney at law

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A legacy born out of lossCatina Rose Salarno was shot, execution-style, by her ex-boyfriend on her first day of school at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California.

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Crime Victims United of CaliforniaA Voice for Victims

Since its founding in 1990, Crime Victims United’s mission has been to support and strengthen public safety, promote balance in the criminal justice system, and protect the rights of victims. CVU’s goals include:

• Strengthen sentencing laws for violent criminals

• Create a safer, more effective criminal rehabilitation and re-entry system

• Establish and protect fundamental rights for crime victims and their families

• Assist victims and their families in restoring their lives

• Crime Victims United is working to ensure balance in our criminal justice system so that those needing counseling and a helping hand receive it, and those seeking only violence and harm remain off our streets.

Protecting today’s victims; preventing tomorrows

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Dedication and Determination

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Proposition 9 - Voters further solidify California’s crime victims bill of rights

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Marsy’s Law• Requires notification to victim and opportunity for input during

phases of criminal justice process, including bail, pleas, sentencing and parole.

• Establishes victim safety as consideration in determining bail or release on parole.

• Increases the number of people permitted to attend and testify on behalf of victims at parole hearings.

• Reduces the number of parole hearings to which prisoners are entitled.

• Requires that victims receive written notification of their constitutional rights.

• Establishes timelines and procedures concerning parole revocation hearings.

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Implementation of Marsy’s Law

• Crime Victims United of California and The Law Office of Nina Salarno Ashford (a certified women-owned business) have used the rights afforded by Marsy’s Law to serve domestic violence and sexual assault victims in both civil and criminal arenas.

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Marsy’s Law in the courtroom

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Pitfalls and Misuse

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Crossover in the four court system

Victim

Family Court

Civil Court

Juvenile Court

Criminal Court

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Types of cases that cross-over

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Child Abuse

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Sexual Assualt

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Sexual Harassment

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Juvenile Court

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Sex Trafficking

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Kidnapping

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Restitution

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Implementation of Marsy’s Law

• Crime Victims United of California and The Law Office of Nina Salarno Ashford has assisted other states, such as Illinois, in the drafting of similar amendments.

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Enforcement of Marsy’s Law and parole systems

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Creative solutions for victims and their families

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Marsy’s Law, victims’ rights and the media

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The power of social media

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Moving Forward• Expansion of Marsy’s law at national and

international levels

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Resources to Remember• California’s Victims’ Bill of Rights (including Marsy’s Law) -

http://oag.ca.gov/victimservices/content/bill_of_rights• National Crime Victim Law Institute -

https://law.lclark.edu/centers/national_crime_victim_law_institute/• Victims of Crime Resource Center - http://www.1800victims.org• Women Escaping A Violent Environment – www.weaveinc.org• Klaas Kids Foundation – www.klaaskids.org• National Organization for Victim Assistance – www.try-nova.org• California Against Slavery – www.californiaagainstslavery.org• More important links available here:

http://www.crimevictimsunited.com/resources/links/

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More information on Crime Victims United of California and The Law Office of

Nina Salarno Ashford can be found at:

• www.crimevictimsunited.com• www.facebook.com/CrimeVictimsUnited• www.twitter.com/CrimeVictimsCa• www.salarnoashfordlaw.com• www.facebook.com/salarnoashfordlaw• www.twitter.com/salarnoashford

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