Community Impact Statements
Individuals who live in a community where a crime has occurred have the right to submit what are known as community impact statements, and the State's Attorney's Office strongly encourages community residents to exercise this important right.
What is a community impact statement?
In an impact statement, a community residents or community groups provide an explanation of how the crime affected you, your family, and your community. Statements should include:
- A "brief" summary of the harm or trauma suffered by you and your community as a result of the crime.
- A summary of the economic loss or damage suffered by the you and your community as a result of the crime.
- A concise statement of what outcome that you and your community would like and the reasons to support this opinion.
Why is a community impact statement so important?
After a defendant pleads guilty or is found guilty of a crime, a Judge sentences the defendant. The Judge responsible for sentencing the defendant reads and considers community impact statements before setting the sentence.
What else should I know about victim impact statements?
A community impact statement submitted to the Court becomes part of the criminal case file. As a result, everyone involved in the case will receive a copy, including the Judge prosecutor, defendant, defense lawyer, and probation officer.
Is a community required to submit a victim impact statement?
No. There is no obligation to compose and submit a community impact statement.
Where are community impact statements to be sent?
Community impact statements can be submitted in one of three ways: through this Web site, by mail, and by fax.
Community impact statements also can be composed and submitted online by clicking here.
To submit by mail, send to:
Office of the State's Attorney for Baltimore City
Attention: (Assistant State's Attorney who is handling your case)
110 North Calvert Street, Suite 210
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
To submit by fax, send to:
410-637-3172
To review the elements of a standard community impact statement, click here.
Still have questions?
If you have any questions or need assistance, please call the Office of the State's Attorney for Baltimore City's Victim and Witness Division at 410-396-1897.