URBANA, Ill. (WAND) — Marsy's Law for Illinois will present the Champion of Victims' Rights award to Champaign County State's Attorney Julia Rietz and her victim advocacy team.
Marsy's Law for Illinois State Director Jennifer Bishop Jenkins said Rietz and the team earned the award for their "tireless work helping survivors navigate the criminal justice system and recover from the trauma of being victimized."
Rietz, who has served as Champaign County State's Attorney since 2004, is one of the most "pro-victim prosecutors in the state of Illinois and perhaps the entire country," Jenkins said.
Illinois' crime victims' rights constitutional amendment, known as Marsy's Law for Illinois, was adopted in 2014. It expanded victims' rights and made them legally enforceable.
"Helping crime victims navigate a system they never asked to be a part of in the first place is one of the most important things we do in our office," Rietz said. "I am fortunate to have an amazing staff that works hard to ensure survivors know their rights and are connected to services to help them heal. I am honored to receive this award and we will continue to take a victim-centric approach to our work."
The award presentation will be at 10 a.m. on Monday, August 17 at the state's attorney office at the Champaign County Courthouse.
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