Victim Impact Statements. In LA., From Whom?
@ChatteringBirds
Oh, sad, sad, sad, I have not followed case closely & am not aware of family members or relatives other than the defendant "parents."
Skimming thru the LA. statute on victim rights,* I saw a VIS clauses applicable only to "victim," "family" or "family members," and "designated family member" (altho I could have missed it; maybe someone else will catch it?).
Well, if judge allowed the victim advocate below to take the stand to testify, at least there’s that.
“At the courthouse Monday, many people showed up to support the parents. The prosecution brought in victim advocate Dana Lovett to support Lacey.” **
Thanks
@arielilane for quote & link.
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* "K. Right of victim or designated family member to be present and heard at all critical stages of the proceedings...."
"(b) The victim and victim's family members shall have the right to make a written and oral victim impact statement as follows:..."
Then gives details about permissible content of stmts, etc. I don't see defintions of "family members" or anything else expanding the pool of those who may make such stmts.
"(b) At the sentencing hearing, the court shall afford the counsel for the defendant, the attorney for the state, and the victim or designated family member an opportunity to comment upon matters relating to the appropriate sentence."
www.legis.la.gov
**
www.wbrz.com Mar 20
Sentencing for parents charged with manslaughter after daughter 'melted' into couch set for Wednesday morning