Prosecutor’s office updates victims’ guide
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Nodaway County Prosecuting Attorney Robert L. Rice, left, and Nick Gotta, a former Northwest Missouri State University student who has been working as a clerk in Rice’s office, stand in front of a table displaying the newly revised “Crime Victims’ Rights.” The free booklet has been updated to reflect recent changes to the Missouri criminal code.
The office of Nodaway County Prosecuting Attorney Robert Rice has released the second edition of “Crime Victims’ Rights,” a free pamphlet intended to serve both victims and the general public as a guide to Missouri’s criminal justice system.
Rice said the revision was largely the work of Nick Gotta, 24, a native of San Diego, California, and a recent graduate of Northwest Missouri State University.
Gotta, who played shortstop for the Northwest Bearcats baseball team from 2014-2016, has been working as a clerk in the prosecutor’s office for the past few months and is planning to attend law school.
First, however, he’s going to give professional baseball a try and will play this summer for the Sioux Falls Canaries, which is affiliated with the North Division of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball.
Rice described the amount of effort and attention to detail required of Gotta in updating the guide as “rare and exemplary.”
“I could not have released the second edition without Nick Gotta’s extraordinary work,” he said.
Rice added that the pamphlet is in keeping with his office’s commitment to supporting crime victims as they seek to navigate the sometimes challenging course of a criminal prosecution.
“Crime victims are guaranteed certain notification rights and participation in the Missouri criminal justice system,” Rice said. “I continue to fight as an advocate for crime victims. In Nodaway County, victims’ rights come first.”
For his part, Gotta said he was grateful for the chance to work under Rice and gain experience while on the path toward a legal career of his own.
“I have learned so much working with Bob and legal assistant Jane Ferguson,” he said. “Bob put a lot on my plate and gave me the opportunity to gain real-world experience.”
Rice said revising the booklet became necessary following legislative approval of major changes to Missouri’s criminal code that took effect this year.
Among other things, the changes significantly altered crime classifications, charges and ranges of punishment.
Intended to be concise and easy to read, the 25-page pamphlet contains summaries of victim notification rights along with an explanation of their right to participate in various phases of the criminal justice process.
The pamphlet lists contact information for local and state resources, such as the crime victims’ advocate and Children and Family Center of Northwest Missouri. It also specifies how victims can apply for reimbursement for losses through the Missouri State Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund.
Other topics include concealed addresses and orders of protection. In addition, there is a glossary of terms commonly used during court sessions and other criminal justice proceedings.
“My office will continue to prioritize crime victims,” Rice said. “My commitment is to do everything possible to help crime victims and their families through a very difficult time.
“What has happened to them is not their fault. This booklet empowers them with knowledge about their rights and what to expect in court.”
