§ 6-2-709 — Victims' rights; services

Wyoming § 6-2-709

• Jurisdiction: Wyoming
• Title 06: Crimes and Offenses
• Ch. 2: OFFENSES AGAINST THE PERSON
• Art. 7: HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Text

(a) As soon as possible after the initial encounter with a
person who reasonably appears to a law enforcement agency,
district or county and prosecuting attorneys' office to be a
victim of human trafficking, the agency or office shall:
(i) Notify the victim services division within the
office of the attorney general that the person may be eligible
for services under this article; and
(ii) Make a preliminary assessment of whether the
victim or possible victim of human trafficking appears to meet
the criteria for certification as a victim of a severe form of
trafficking in persons as defined in the Trafficking Victims
Protection Act, 22 U.S.C. section 7105, or appears to be
otherwise eligible for any federal, state or local benefits and
services. If it is determined that the victim appears to meet
such criteria, the agency or office shall report the finding to
the victim and shall refer the victim to services available,
including legal service providers. If the possible victim is a
minor or is a vulnerable adult, the agency or office shall also
notify the department of family services.
(b) The attorney general, a district or county and
prosecuting attorney or any law enforcement official shall
certify in writing to the United States Department of Justice or
other federal agency, such as the United States Department of
Homeland Security, that an investigation or prosecution under
this article has begun and the individual who is a likely victim
of a crime described in this article is willing to cooperate or
is cooperating with the investigation to enable the individual,
if eligible under federal law, to qualify for an appropriate
special immigrant visa and to access available federal benefits.
Cooperation with law enforcement shall not be required of
victims of a crime described in this article who are minors.
This certification shall be made available to the victim and the
victim's designated legal representative.
(c) Victims of human trafficking under W.S. 6-2-702
through 6-2-706 shall be informed of the rights enumerated in
this section, the victim's right to informed consent and the
victim's rights as a victim of crime. The victim shall also be
informed of available housing, educational, medical, legal and
advocacy services.
(d) Victims of human trafficking are entitled to
restitution and forms of compensation under the Crime Victims
Compensation Act.
(e) In a prosecution for an offense under this article,
police and prosecuting agencies shall keep the identity of the
victim and the victim's family confidential. The prosecutor
shall take reasonable steps to protect the victim and the
victim's family from being revictimized.