Victim Resources
California Victim Impact Statements
A victim impact statement can explain how a crime affected the victim and family.
Updated September 23, 2026
Reviewed for publication by Mark A. Amador | Former California prosecutor | Partner, Wingert Grebing Brubaker & Walshok LLP
Focus on impact
Physical, emotional, financial, family, work, and safety consequences can be organized in the victim's own voice.
Know the proceeding
Sentencing and parole are different settings with different legal questions and procedures.
Counsel's role
Counsel can help organize a statement and prepare the victim without replacing the victim's authentic voice.
Legal reference: California Constitution article I, section 28; California DOJ victim-rights materials. Parole-specific pages also rely on current CDCR victim-services guidance. This page is general information, not legal advice.
General information only. Rights, procedures, deadlines, and available remedies can depend on the facts and the stage of the case.