HB 5573

Abstract

Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides that a crime victim shall be allowed to present an oral or written statement in any case in which: (1) a juvenile has been adjudicated delinquent for a violent crime after a bench or jury trial; or (2) the petition alleged the commission of a violent crime and the juvenile has been adjudicated delinquent under a plea agreement of a crime that is not a violent crime. Amends the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act. Makes changes to the definitions of "sentence", "sentencing", and "court proceeding". Defines "status hearing" and "support person". Provides that a party who intends to call an advocate as a witness at trial must seek permission of the court before the subpoena is issued. Provides that the party must file a written motion at least 90 days before trial that sets forth specifically the issues on which the advocate's testimony is sought and an offer of proof regarding: (1) the content of the anticipated testimony of the advocate; and (2) the relevance, admissibility, and materiality of the anticipated testimony in sufficient time to allow the court to rule and the victim to seek appellate review. Provides that if a victim has asserted the right to have a support person present at the court proceedings, the victim shall provide the name of the person the victim has chosen to be the victim's support person to the prosecuting attorney, who shall provide the name to defendant. Provides that if the defendant intends to call the support person as a witness at trial, the defendant must seek permission of the court before a subpoena is issued. Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that the court shall allow a victim to make an oral statement if the victim is present in the courtroom and requests to make an oral statement. Provides that an oral statement includes the victim or a representative of the victim reading the written statement. Provides that victim and any person making an oral statement shall not be put under oath or subject to cross-examination. Makes other changes.