Senate Bill 135 requires victim input regarding potential delays

JUNEAU-The Alaska State Senate this afternoon passed a bill which requires prosecutors and judges to consider a victim’s right to a timely disposition of their case when deciding whether to allow continuances. Senate Bill 135, sponsored by Senator Hollis French (D-Anchorage), will also ensure that victims are notified of any requests or motions that could substantially delay speedy prosecution of the case.

“The right to a speedy trial is generally thought of as a protection for those accused of a crime, but victims have an equally compelling interest in the timely resolution of a case,” said Senator French. “This bill fulfills promises made by a 1994 amendment to the State’s constitution which ensures victims receive the same consideration in their rights to a speedy trial as defendants.”

Senator French, who is a former state prosecutor, worked closely with Karen Foster and victims’ rights groups on the legislation. Karen Foster is the mother of Bonnie Craig, who was the victim in one of Anchorage’s most well-known cases. Craig was just 18-years old in 1994 when she was abducted, brutally raped, and murdered in South Anchorage. Twelve years later in 2006, a DNA database established by the state legislature linked Kenneth Dion to the crime, but it was another five years before his trial was held and a jury convicted him. Last year, 17 years after the vicious attack, Dion was sentenced to 124 years behind bars for Craig’s murder.

“This bill puts statutory teeth into victim’s constitutional rights,” said Senator French. “Extensive delays create intolerable stress for victims. This bill will help victims reach emotional, physical, and financial closure from the trauma they suffered as a result of the crime perpetrated against them.”

Currently, Alaska is one of 27 states with constitutional provisions to protect a victim’s rights; however, there are no laws in place to implement it. Under Senate Bill 135, Alaska will join 15 other states that have enacted laws to recognize this crucial right.

Senate Bill 135 now heads to the House for further consideration.

For more information, please contact Lila Hobbs in Senator French’s office at (907) 465-3892.