Crime Victims Rights Board

The Board is an independent quasi-judicial body that operates by authority of Wis. Stat. Chapter 950.09 and Wisconsin Administrative Code CVRB 1 to: 

• Review complaints regarding possible violations of the rights of crime victims by  public officials, employees or agencies.
• Issue written probable cause determinations as to whether violations probably were or are being committed as alleged in complaints.
  
• After findings of probable cause, conduct  investigations and/or hold evidentiary hearings, as needed, to determine whether violations occurred.
• Issue written final decisions concerning reviewed cases. (Judicial review of a CVRB final decision is governed by Wis. Stats. ss. 227.52 to 227.59.) 
• Issue sanctions for violations of Wis. Stat. Chapters 950 and 938 and Article I, Section 9m of the Wisconsin Constitution.
  
• Issue reports and recommendations concerning the securing and provision of victims' rights and services.
  

The Board​ was created with a limited administrative attachment to the Department of Justice, meaning DOJ provides operational support but the actions of the Board are not subject to the review or approval of the attorney general.  ​

Correspondence for the CVRB can be mailed to: 

CVRB Operations Director
Wisconsin Department of Justice
17 West Main Street​
Madison, WI 53707

• Issue private and public reprimands of public officials, employees or agencies that violate the statutory and constitutional rights of crime victims. provided under Wis. Stat. Chapters 950 and 9387 and Article I, Section 9m5 of the Wisconsin Constitution.

• Refer to the Judicial Commission a violation or alleged violation by a judge of the rights of crime victims. provided under Wis. Stat. Chapters 950 and 938 and Article I, Section 9m of the Wisconsin Constitution.
  

• Seek equitable relief on behalf of a victim if such relief is necessary to protect the rights of the victim.  (The CVRB may not se​ek to appeal, reverse, or modify a judgment of conviction or sentence in a criminal case.)

• Bring civil actions to assess a forfeiture under s. 950.11 for an intentional violation. (Forfeiture monies are distributed to the state Common School Fund.)

Reports & Recommendations Concerning Rights & Services

In addition to its authority to review complaints, the Bo​ard may issue reports and recommendations concerning the securing and provision of crime victim rights and services.

Read CVRB Reports & Recommendations