Crime Victims’ Rights (Policy Statement)

In any case involving the sentencing of a defendant for an offense against a crime victim, the court shall ensure that the crime victim is afforded the rights described in 18 U.S.C. § 3771 and in any other provision of federal law pertain- ing to the treatment of crime victims. Application Note: Commentary 1. Definition.—For purposes of this policy statement, “crime victim” has the meaning given that term in 18 U.S.C. § 3771(e). Historical Note Effective November 1, 2006 (amendment 694). Amended effective November 1, 2024 (amendment 831). Guidelines Manual (November 1, 2024) ║ 501 §6B1.1 PART B ― PLEA AGREEMENTS Introductory Commentary Policy statements governing the acceptance of plea agreements under Rule 11(c), Fed. R. Crim. P., are intended to ensure that plea negotiation practices: (1) promote the statutory purposes of sentencing prescribed in 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a); and (2) do not perpetuate unwarranted sentencing dis- parity. These policy statements make clear that sentencing is a judicial function and that the appropri- ate sentence in a guilty plea case is to be determined by the judge. The policy statements also ensure that the basis for any judicial decision to depart from the guidelines will be explained on the record. Historical Note Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 2004 (amendment 674).