Bill would let courts make people who violate crime victims' rights pay the victim's lawyer fees

The court may order the paying party to cover attorney fees and costs for enforcing a victim's right or fixing a violation. It covers parties who violate rights listed in the victims' bill of rights, Arizona law, or the related chapter or article, and the victim's counsel, including pro bono and legal aid attorneys. The violation must be intentional, knowing, or grossly negligent. Fees must be reasonable. The court "may" order payment; it is not required to.

Sections 8-416 and 13-4437 are both amended, with matching wording on victims' standing, lawyers, damages, and restitution hearings. It covers crime victims and, for damages, governmental entities responsible for violating victims' rights. The damages right does not change any existing immunity under common law or statute. A victim may not be charged a filing fee to bring a special action or seek an order to enforce rights. Victims may present evidence and argue at any hearing to set restitution. The act applies to all cases that are pending or filed on or after the effective date of the amended sections.