Victim Rights
If you have been a victim of crime, you may have certain constitutional rights. These rights may help you better understand what will happen to your case.
To preserve and protect the rights of victims of crime to justice and due process, victims shall be entitled to the following basic rights:
- The right to confer with the prosecution.
- The right to be free from intimidation, harassment and abuse throughout the criminal justice system.
- The right to be present at all proceedings where the defendant has the right to be present.
- The right to be heard, when relevant, at all critical stages of the criminal justice process as defined by the General Assembly.
- The right to be informed of all proceedings, and of the release, transfer or escape of the accused or convicted person.
- The right to a speedy trial or disposition and a prompt and conclusion of the case after the conviction or sentence.
- The right to restitution from the offender.
- The right to be informed of each of the rights established for victims.
Avoid Becoming a Victim
- Do not leave items of value in plain sight in your vehicle. Secure firearms and items of value in the trunk of your vehicle or out of sight.
- Park in a well-lit area and be aware of your surroundings.
- Do not leave your keys in your vehicle or leave your vehicle running and unattended.
- Never carry your social security card in your wallet. Do not have your social security number, telephone number, or driver license number on your personal checks. If the information is needed, it can be included manually.
- Never take all your credit cards with you.
- Bring only those you will need for the day.
- Keep all your identifying numbers of personal property in an accessible location (serial numbers make and model numbers, descriptions of your property, etc.).
- Take the time to engrave or mark your personal property. If it is stolen and recovered, it will assist us in getting property back to you.
- Never send money to collect a larger gift or cash prize. If it sounds too good to be true it probably is a scam.
Procedural Steps Involved in a Criminal Prosecution
Criminal prosecution governs the arrest, charging, and trial of accused criminals; and the sentencing of those convicted (found guilty of a crime). It also regulates the convicted person's possible appeal for review of the trial court's decision. Procedural steps may include any or all the following: probable cause hearing and issuance of a warrant, preliminary hearing, and investigation by a grand jury, indictment or presentment, and trial and verdict. For additional information, contact the Office of the District Attorney at 615-862-5500.
Area Hospitals
- Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital: 615-284-5555
- Centennial Medical Center: 615-342-1000
- General Hospital: 615-341-4000
- Saint Thomas West Hospital: 615-222-2111
- Skyline Hospital: 615-769-2000
- Skyline Madison Campus: 615-769-5000
- Southern Hills Medical Center: 615-781-4000
- Summit Medical Center: 615-316-3000
- Vanderbilt Hospital: 322-5000
Call 911 if you are calling about a police, fire or medical emergency. For administrative or non-emergency issues, call 615-862-8600. Non-emergencies may also be reported via hub.Nashville.gov or the hubNashville app anytime. Call 311 weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Identity Theft
If you believe you have been the victim of identity theft:
- First, contact your credit card companies and tell them what happened. The phone numbers are conveniently located on the back of the card. Toll free numbers are located on your monthly statement. There are also Registration Services that you can use that will make notifications for you with one phone call. There is usually a small fee for this service. Contact one of the three major credit reporting bureaus:
- TransUnion 800-680-7289
- Equifax 800-525-6285
- Experian 888-397-3742
- Check your credit report on or at least on an annual basis. This will be easier and more economical with the assistance of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Schedule. To obtain more detailed, specific instructions visit AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 877-FTC-HELP or go online at FTC.gov.
- Contact your bank and report any lost or stolen checks. They should close the account immediately and place an alert in their system for that account.
- Notify the U.S. Postal Service so that they can put an alert on your address in case someone attempts to circumvent your identity.
Other Helpful Links
Metro Nashville Police Department Central Records Division
Body Worn and In-Car Camera Program
For traffic crash report questions contact the MNPD Traffic Division at 615-862-7738.
Crime mapping information about your neighborhood can be found at CrimeMapping.com.
Get involved in your neighborhood. Join or establish a neighborhood watch or get crime information about your area by calling the MNPD Precinct Community Coordinator for your neighborhood by visiting this link: Metro Nashville Police Precincts