Changing the Washington code of military justice so that it includes certain protections for victims of an offense while serving within the organized militia of Washington.

More rights for Washington military crime victims

The law protects people directly harmed physically, emotionally, or financially by an offense under Washington’s military justice code. Victims have rights to reasonable protection from the accused, fair treatment, dignity, privacy, and proceedings without unreasonable delay. They get reasonable, accurate, timely notice of pretrial continued-confinement hearings, investigations, and court-martial proceedings. Notice also covers posttrial proceedings about findings or sentences, including unsealing private information or possible release. Victims get notice of public military clemency and parole proceedings, plus the accused’s release or escape. Release or escape notice can be withheld when it threatens anyone’s safety. Victims can attend covered public proceedings and speak at continued-confinement, sentencing, and public clemency or parole hearings. Exclusion requires a judge or investigating officer to find clear and convincing evidence that other testimony would materially change theirs. Victims can consult state prosecutors and get timely information about plea deals, separations instead of trial, and nonprosecution agreements. Agreement details can be withheld to protect a law-enforcement proceeding or another person’s privacy. Defense lawyers must route interview requests through the victim’s lawyer, when the victim has one and prosecutors identify them as a planned witness. If the victim requests it, interviews must include state counsel or, when applicable, the victim’s lawyer or advocate. Restitution is available only as existing law allows. The law preserves officials’ legal discretion and creates no civil damages claim or expanded duties that trigger damages liability.