Victims' Rights Advocacy: Your Voice Matters in Federal and State Criminal Cases
Victims of crime in Florida possess legal rights under state law that ensure they are treated with fairness, respect and dignity—not simply as witnesses, but as rights-holders whose voices matter in the justice system.
When those rights are overlooked or ignored, Florida law provides additional avenues for accountability, including civil claims for damages and legal oversight of criminal proceedings. AMC Defense Law is dedicated to stepping in for victims across Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, Martin, and St. Lucie counties to make sure their rights are upheld and to help them pursue justice and recovery.
Victims' rights advocacy ensures that those harmed by criminal conduct have a voice in the justice system and access to the resources they need for recovery and accountability.
Who We Help
We represent individuals across Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, Martin, and St. Lucie counties who have been harmed by criminal conduct, negligent conduct, abuse of power or institutional failure — including:
- Victims of violent crime or assault
- Victims of sexual assault, abuse (including child victims, vulnerable adults)
- Victims of human trafficking or exploitation
- Individuals harmed by negligent security, institutional misconduct (schools, religious institutions, employers)
- Victims seeking restitution, compensation or civil recourse alongside or independent of the criminal process
By combining deep procedural knowledge of Florida's criminal justice system with civil-law options, we provide victims a full-spectrum approach across South Florida's most active judicial circuits.
Our Services & Approach
Rights enforcement in Florida state cases. We help ensure you receive timely notice of hearings; you are heard at key stages (plea, sentencing, parole); your safety and privacy concerns are addressed under Florida's victims' rights laws.
Civil litigation when appropriate. If you've suffered financially, emotionally or physically due to crime, abuse or institutional failure, we evaluate whether a civil action is available — negligent hiring, negligent supervision, premises liability, dram shop, trust-accountability, sexual-abuse torts, etc.
Trauma-informed, client-centered advocacy. We understand how difficult this is. You'll find a team that listens, protects your privacy, guides you through Florida's legal system step by step and keeps you informed.
Coordination with State Attorney offices. We work with State Attorney offices across the 15th Judicial Circuit (Palm Beach), 17th Judicial Circuit (Broward), 11th Judicial Circuit (Miami-Dade), and 19th Judicial Circuit (Martin/St. Lucie) to ensure your rights are advanced.
Florida victim compensation & restitution. We help you pursue restitution and other compensation avenues — whether through Florida's Crime Victims' Compensation Trust Fund, criminal restitution orders, or private civil recovery.
"Victims' rights advocacy is about more than legal procedure—it's about restoring dignity, ensuring accountability, and helping survivors reclaim their voice in a system that too often overlooks their needs."— Aaron M. Cohen, Principal Attorney
What to Expect
Free, confidential initial consultation — no obligation.
We review your case, explain your legal options (criminal rights enforcement, civil claims, restitution) and help you decide the best path.
We develop a tailored plan for your case: preserving evidence, engaging with criminal process or independent investigations, coordinating with you and your support network.
Throughout the process, we keep you updated, treat you with respect and dignity, and work toward holding accountable those responsible for your harm — while you focus on healing and moving forward.
Why Choose Us?
You benefit from a legal team deeply familiar with Florida's criminal justice system and civil litigation across Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, Martin, and St. Lucie counties — so you're not forced into "either/or" advocacy, you get full representation.
We bring procedural knowledge of Florida's judicial circuits, investigative resources and legal skill required to make your rights meaningful in South Florida's courts.
We approach every case with empathy, confidentiality and an understanding that recovery is more than legal victory — it's about restoring your life and voice.
Don't wait for the system to automatically protect your interests. State Attorney offices focus on the criminal case against the defendant—you need your own advocate focused specifically on your rights, your recovery, and your voice in Florida's legal process.
Effective victims' rights advocacy ensures that survivors have a meaningful voice in criminal proceedings, from plea negotiations through sentencing, while pursuing all available avenues for compensation and accountability.
If you or your loved ones have been victims of crime, abuse, or institutional failure, call Aaron M. Cohen at AMC Defense Law, 24 hours a day to get the advocacy and representation you deserve.
Sources
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Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles - Victims' Rights
https://www.flhsmv.gov/victimsrights/ -
Florida Highway Patrol Victim Advocates
https://www.flhsmv.gov/victimsrights/victim-advocates/ -
State Attorney's Office - 15th Judicial Circuit (Palm Beach County)
https://sa15.org/public-records-policy-for-victims/ -
Florida Supreme Court Ruling on Victims' Names in Public Records
https://wsvn.com/news/local/florida/florida-supreme-court-law-enforcement-isnt-required-to-withhold-victims-names/ -
Florida Immigration Law Impact on Crime Victims
https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/02/25/deportation-undocumented-crime-victims-florida-law -
National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Organization_for_Victim_Advocacy
Aaron M. Cohen
Aaron M. Cohen has been diligently representing clients in both state and federal cases nationwide for 30 years. His extensive experience spans complex federal investigations, white-collar defense, and serious state felonies.
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