Crime Victims United of California
Prop 9 Updates
May 21, 2009 Update
May 14, 2009 Update

Dates to Remember

"The scales of justice have gradually become weighted in the favor of the accused, leaving the victim with no rights or representation.

We must re-establish the idea that homicide is the ultimate offence against humanity. Its punishment must reflect the gravity of the crime.

Fortunately, the majority of our membership has not had to suffer the personal effects of a homicide in their family but they support our goals.

We seek to educate the public as to the injustices in the present system of criminal justice in California. Only when the people are aware of the facts can change and reform be accomplished."

You Are Visitor Number:

Free Web Counter

KTTV Fox 11 Interview with Dr. Henry “Nick” Nicholas and Marcella Leach on Marsy's Law
Dr. Henry “Nick” Nicholas and his mother Marcella Leach were interviewed on KTTV Fox 11 in Los Angeles about Marsy’s Law. They were guests May 17 on the Midday Sunday show hosted by Emmy award-winning crime reporter Tony Valdez, who also reports on Fox 11’s “L.A.’s Most Wanted” news segment. Details & Video >>

---

Marsy's Law: Victims' Bill of Rights Act of 2008
Marsy’s Law is the strongest Victim’s Bill of Rights in any state in the nation. Its passage means that, for the first time, victims in California have meaningful and enforceable rights. The law includes these rights:

The rights to justice and due process The right to notice of all proceedings The right to be present whenever the defendant has the right to be present The right to be heard --at critical stages of the criminal justice system--  any time that a victim's rights are at issue The right to have victims' safety considered before any release decisions are made The right to know when an offender is being released, or escapes The right to protect victims' confidential records

The right to refuse to submit to interrogation by a defendant or his lawyer before trial The right to confer with the prosecutor The right to be free from intimidation, harassment, or abuse, and to be treated with fairness and respect The right to restitution The right to a speedy trial and to reasonable finality The right to enforce these special rights in any court The right of victims be informed of their Marsy rights-- just as defendants are given their Miranda rights

Marsy's Law gives victims a meaningful opportunity to participate in parole proceedings and their safety – and the safety of the general public – are the critical standard, before any release decisions are made. This has meant setting a new maximum of 15 years between parole hearings.

Download Marsy's Law Bill of Rights 2008

---

Thanks to recently enacted Marsy's Law
Heilemann Family wins 15 year Parole Denial

The 1987 killing of Palisades High School student Clinton Heilemann shocked the community. His parents, Arnold and Evelyn Heilemann sprung into action becoming victim advocates strieving to help other families devastated by murder. Arnold serves as JHV president and Evelyn was Treasurer until her death last year.

In a January 5, 2009 hearing at Vacaville, the Board of Prison Terms mandated a 15 year denial for further parole hearings under Marsy's Law, which was passed last November by voters, giving victims and their families icreased rights.  The board, which based parole requests on several factors including future employment and living plans, improvement through self-help programs, a psychology evaluation, education, remorse, restitution and responsibility for the crime, heard from several speakers including members of Justice for Homicide Victims, Arnold Heilemann, Clinton's sisters, an aunt, cousins and friends Kenneth Waco and Matthew Williams, who was wounded in the shooting
July 3, 1987.

---

Remembering Our Beloved Bob Leach
1914-2008

Justice for Homicide Victims’ co-founder and President Robert W. Leach passed away March 30, 2008 following a lengthy illness. Bob has championed the rights of homicide victim survivors over the last twenty-five years following the murder of his step-daughter, Marsy Nicholas. In 1983, Marsy, then a senior at UC Santa Barbara, was murdered by an ex-boyfriend, Kerry Conley.
(read more)

---

Seeking Justice for Slain Loved Ones
Los Angeles Times Covers the JHV Memorial

"There's not a writer yet who can describe the feeling," Jack Reilley said. "The rage and the helplessness and the sense of loss and despair. Victims get a certain look on their face that we all recognize and know. And then you have to do something about it."
(read more)

---

Victims' Rights Week, 2009
Help JHV Celebrate The Memory Of You Loved-One!

The annual JHV Victims' Rights Week Memorial celebration will be held At the JHV Homicide Victims Memorial (just inside Gate 19) at Rose Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary on Sunday April 26, 2009. More information to follow.

---

Extraordinary Leadership In Victims' Rights
JHV & Los Angeles County District Attorney
Honor Robert Leach

JHV President, Robert Leach was honored for his extraordinary leadership in victims' rights at the JHV Annual Awards Banquet on December 4, 2005. The ceremony was held at the Hotel Bel Air and was attended by many supporters, including L.A. District Attorney, Steve Cooley.
(read more) includes video

---

Congratulations To Marcella Leach!
2005 National Crime Victims' Rights Week Award Recipient!

The Honoree received special recognition during the awards ceremony hosted April 8, 2005, by the Office for Victims of Crime to honor victim advocates, organizations, and programs in the field of victim services.
(read more)