Download - Priv1.16.08
1
Understanding Privilege for Victim
Advocates
Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance
COVAChristine R. Harms MSTraining Coordinator
2
Topics Covered Legal Privilege
Waivers of Privilege
Exceptions to Privilege
Policies and Procedures
The Importance of Legal Counsel
3
What This Training Cannot Do For You Provide legal advice
Make you an expert in these issues
Develop your agency policy
Mandate changes in agency practice
4
Legal Disclaimer This is a brief review of Colorado law
and practice related to crime victim privilege and confidentiality
The training is not meant to be used as a definitive statement of law or a particular statute
Contact your attorney for all legal questions you may have
5
Privilege vs. Confidentiality
Are privilege and confidentiality the same thing?
Does confidentiality come with legal obligations?
Does privilege come with legal obligations?
6
Confidentiality Advocates have a professional duty to refrain
from speaking to others about certain matters
Not clearly defined and often used incorrectly
Advocates should keep information confidential unless the situation warrants otherwise: Mandatory Reporting Safety Need to Know
7
Privilege Created by statute (law)
Protects certain communications
Addresses who cannot be compelled to testify in court
8
Legal Privilege Do victims or advocates have privilege?
Do all victims have privilege?
Can all advocates protect privilege?
What is discovery and how is it relevant to privilege?
9
Colorado Statutory Privilege(C.R.S. § 13-90-107) Statutory Protection - who may not
testify without consent
Domestic violence and sexual assault victim advocates added to law in 1994 “Without the victim’s consent, a victim’s
advocate shall not be examined as to any communication made to such victim advocate by a victim of domestic violence…, or a victim of sexual assault.”
Victims hold the privilege – Advocates protect the privilege
10
Who Qualifies Advocates with legal ability to
protect privilege are defined as: a person at a battered women’s shelter
or rape crisis organization or a comparable community-based advocacy program for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault and does not include an advocate employed by any law enforcement agency
But those aren’t the only requirements…
11
Who Qualifies A victim advocate must also be a person:
Whose primary function is to assist victims of domestic violence or sexual assault
Who has undergone at least 30 hours of training for sexual assault advocates and at least 15 hours of training for domestic violence advocates
Who supervises a program, administers a program, or is supervised by someone in a program
12
Document Your Training Be able to prove you’ve had
appropriate training (not specified in law)
Clearly document all training
Agency policies defining curriculum and documentation procedures Agency letter signed by supervisor
certifying training topics and hours
13
What Privilege Applies To Privilege applies to spoken and
written communication Conversations Notes Records Reports
These items are not typically subject to discovery – however a judge can order otherwise
14
Law Offers Strong Protection Geared to prevent defense attorney
“fishing expeditions”
Good legislative history
Good case law People v. Turner, 109 P.3d 639 (Colo.
2005)
No in camera review
15
People v. Turner
” “We hold that the victim-advocate privilege attaches to records of
assistance provided by the victim advocate because those records are a part of ‘any communication’ made to
such advocate by the victim of domestic violence.”
16
People v. Turner“We conclude that the underlying purpose of
the victim-advocate privilege and the plain language of the statute forbid the disclosure of records or reports of assistance provided the victim by the Alliance in this case. We
recognize that the strong public policy underlying the statute requires that the
records of assistance or services offered to victims be kept confidential. To interpret the
statute otherwise would betray that clear intent.”
17
Who Cannot Protect Privilege? Law enforcement advocates
Attorney General’s Office, DA’s Offices, City Attorney’s Offices, Sheriffs, Police, State Patrol and Marshals
Community-based advocates Working with non-DV or SA crime victims Without appropriate training
Crime victims other than DV and SA
18
Why All Advocates Cannot Protect Privilege Discovery – defendants are
constitutionally entitled to: Any and all evidence favorable to the
defendant and suggests innocence
Any and all evidence of “material importance” to the defendant – meaning evidence which, when examined in light of the entire record, likely would affect the trial’s outcome
19
What This Means
Conversations, notes, records and reports of advocates who don’t qualify to protect privilege may
be discoverable in an investigation and subsequent
court case
20
Note-taking for All Advocates Assume the worst – the defense
will see your notes
Use objective, not subjective, language
Stick to the facts
21
Dual Roles What are dual roles?
Can advocates operating in dual roles protect a victim’s privilege?
Is there law or precedent for advocates operating in dual roles?
Is this ever a good idea?
22
Addressing Dual Roles This is an unclear area of the
law
In dual role situations it is most likely that privilege will be compromised
The best solution is to have no dual agency or advocate roles
23
Addressing Dual Roles Ensure everyone has clarity about
the different roles in any given intervention situation
Lack of clarity can irreparably harm victims
If your agency works in dual roles it is always best to have WRITTEN AGREEMENTS about the differing roles
24
Addressing Dual Roles Generally, without written
agreements and policies, your roles are determined by four things: What agency are you representing?
What your role is in relation to the victim?
Who pays your salary?
Who provides your supervision?
25
Addressing Dual Roles If your agency operates in dual roles,
never have the same advocate operate in both capacities with the same victim
Different advocates for each role Law enforcement only advocates Community based only advocates
Advocate must clarify their role with each victim and document that clarification
This may not ensure privilege
26
Dual Roles and Discovery Caution – You should assume
that the conversations, notes, records and reports of a community-based victim advocate working under contract or memorandum of understanding (MOU) for law enforcement are discoverable
27
Some Privilege Examples
Columbine – no privilege
Denver Center for Crime Victims – advocate privilege by registering as unlicensed therapists
DVERT – Lopez case (dual roles)
28
Legal Privilege – Important Points to Remember DV and SA victims hold the privilege
Only victim advocates who meet specific statutory criteria can protect privilege
Be aware of discovery – particularly when taking notes
Dual roles are a gray area – assume the worst
29
Waivers of Privilege Can privilege be waived?
When is it appropriate to waive privilege?
How should privilege waivers be handled?
What constitutes an accidental waiver?
30
Waivers of Privilege Waiver: giving up part or all of
one’s right to privileged communication
Privilege can be waived only by victim
Waivers should be done through a written release
31
Proper Waiver Procedures Authorization to Release
Information: Must be in writing, signed & dated
Should be time limited
Should specifically identify to whom the information is being released
Should specifically identify what information is being released
32
Critical Issues About Waiving Privilege
A victim should never disclose privileged information or sign a release assuming only law enforcement or the prosecutor will see the information
Assume that any information released to any criminal justice system employee will be discoverable by the defendant
33
Accidental Waivers or Violations of Privilege Victim contact with defense
Third party conversations
Medical exams
Other situations – be wary Dual Roles Hallway conversations Media
34
Victim Contact with Defense Victims are not required to have any contact
with the defense attorney except in court
Defense investigators represent defendant’s best interests – not the victim’s
Important that victims require identification/ clarification before talking to anyone about their case
Advocates need to advise victims about risk
35
Presence of Third PartiesDuring Conversations May inadvertently waive privilege
Advocate who can protect privilege and a system-based advocate Not privileged
Two persons who can protect privilege Probably privileged but not certain
36
Presence of Third PartiesDuring Conversations Parents with minors
Only privileged in some circumstances
Privileged when parent & minor are in the presence of:
Attorney representing the child Physician or mental health professional
who has confidential relationship with child Clergy with confidential relationship
Victim advocates are not covered
37
Medical Issues Be aware of who is in the
examining room
Medical vs. forensic exam
Two persons who can protect privilege Probably privileged
38
Privilege Waivers – Important Points to Remember Waivers can only be granted by the
victim – it’s their decision
Waivers must be written & limited
Assume that any information given to law enforcement will be given to the defendant
Privilege can be accidentally waived – be careful
39
Exceptions to Privilege Is privilege absolute or are there
exceptions?
Do victim advocates have to report child abuse in all cases? Are there penalties for failure to report?
Are criminal justice records private or open?
Are victim compensation records private or open?
40
Important Privilege Exceptions Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse
Victim advocates are required to report “Child” is person under 18 years old
Criminal Justice Records
Victim Compensation Records
41
Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse or NeglectC.R.S § 19-3-304
Test for mandatory reporting: Any specified person “who has reasonable
cause to know or suspect that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect, or …
Who has observed the child being subjected to circumstances or conditions which would reasonably result in abuse or neglect
“Shall immediately report or cause a report to be made.”
42
Definition of Child Abuse or NeglectC.R.S § 19-1-103
Includes, among other things: Physical abuse, malnutrition, or
conditions not justifiably explained
“Any case in which a child is subjected to sexual assault or molestation, sexual exploitation, or prostitution.”
“Any case in which a child is subject to emotional abuse.”
43
Where to Make the Report Reports made to law enforcement
or DSS, depending on type of abuse
General rule: Intra-familial abuse or neglect to
county DSS 3rd party abuse or neglect to law
enforcement
44
Mandatory Reporters Failure to report may result in:
Criminal prosecution
Civil liability for damages
45
Immunity from LiabilityC.R.S § 19-3-309
Good faith is presumed for mandatory reporters
Any person, except the perpetrator, who makes a report in good faith is immune from liability Courts must find willful, wanton or
malicious behavior to overcome immunity
46
Advocate Responsibilities as a Mandatory Reporter
Inform clients you are a mandatory reporter
It is not your responsibility to investigate or determine abuse or risk of potential harm
Immediate reporting means immediately
You are responsible for making a report even if the client self reports
47
Criminal Justice RecordsC.R.S § 24-72-304
Inspection of criminal justice records General Rule: criminal justice
records open to inspection
Important exception: name of a victim of a sexual assault or an alleged sexual assault
48
Criminal Justice Records C.R.S § 24-72-304
Name of any sexual assault victim must be deleted from any criminal justice record prior to release to any individual or agency other than a criminal justice agency
Does not limit victim or victim’s family’s ability to view pre-sentence report, at DA’s discretion
49
Victim Compensation Records C.R.S § 24-4.1-107.5 Victim compensation records are
legally considered confidential, but are subject to in camera review
Be aware – the court can review the record and decide the material is necessary to the case, thus making it discoverable
50
Privilege Exceptions –Important Points to Remember Mandatory reporting of child abuse is an
absolute exception to privilege
Reports must be made immediately upon knowing or suspecting
Advocates must inform victims about reporting requirements in advance
Criminal justice records are open records – except for name of sexual assault victims
Victim compensation records are subject to in camera review
51
Policies and Procedures Does your agency provide
education and awareness regarding privilege and confidentiality?
Does your agency have written policies clearly defining roles and responsibilities?
52
Agency Responsibilities Agencies need to create an environment
that ensures: Appropriate training for all staff and
volunteers
Documentation of all training for staff and volunteers
Appropriate response regarding confidentiality, privilege and medical privacy issues
Access to additional resources for clients and the agency when necessary
53
Agency Responsibilities Establish written policies
Address roles and boundaries on job applications and at screening interviews
Clearly define staff and volunteer roles and boundaries in all agency interactions
54
Other Agency Options Some community based victim
advocacy programs provide victim confidentiality through other means: Register staff as unlicensed therapists
with the Department of Regulatory Agencies
Providing staff with direct clinical supervision by a licensed professional (Psychologist, PhD, PsyD, or EdD; LCSW, LPC, LMFT or CNS) under whom they provide services
55
Policies and Procedures – Important Points Agencies should provide appropriate
information and access to training for advocates regarding privilege
Agencies should have written policies and procedures addressing individual training, roles, responsibilities and agency interactions
Agencies have some options regarding obtaining privilege for advocates
56
Importance of Legal Counsel Does your agency have an attorney?
Are all office personnel educated about procedures for handling a subpoena?
Has your agency had any conversations with the district attorney regarding victim privilege?
Do advocates understand the relationship between a court order and privilege?
57
Critical Point
Get an attorney for your agency before this issue
arises
58
Subpoenas Oh no! I’ve just been subpoenaed to
testify and bring my records, what do I do? Don’t panic! Document how and when the subpoena arrived Get legal advice Notify your agency’s attorney Notify the District Attorney (criminal cases) Notify the victim Be prepared to assert privilege on behalf of
victim
59
Asserting Privilege Someone needs to assert the privilege on
the victim’s behalf
Victim advocate should be prepared to assert privilege if the DA will not Discuss issue with DA prior to any specific case
Case law supports DA standing to assert privilege People v. District Court 719 P.2d 722 (Colo. 1986) People v. Turner, 109 P.3d 639 (Colo. 2005)
When speaking to the DA, advocates should speak in broad terms or hypotheticals so as not to violate privilege
60
Court Orders On very rare occasions a court
may order someone to testify despite the privilege
Important to not make any promises to the victim
Explain to victim: this information is privileged and cannot be disclosed unless a judge orders it disclosed
61
Legal Counsel – Important Points to Remember
Have access to an attorney who understands privilege issues
Document receiving all subpoenas and be prepared to assert privilege on behalf of the victim
Court orders supercede privilege – make no promises to victims
62
Advocate Responsibilities Know The System
Advocates should know and understand the criminal justice system
Advocates should also have a basic understanding of the civil legal system as it applies to victims (i.e. restraining orders, child custody, restitution, etc.)
Knowing the justice system will help you be prepared for, not surprised by, unpredictability
63
Advocate Responsibilities Know Your Limitations You are not an expert in all areas
of victim services
Seek assistance from other advocates
Explore options/resources
Know your own and your agency’s limitations
64
Agencies and Advocates Victim advocates have a
responsibility to Do No Harm
Advocates have the responsibility to advocate for the victim and for an appropriate criminal justice system response
65
Contact Information Colorado Organization for Victim
Assistance 1-800-261-2682; 303-861-1160 www.coloradocrimevictims.org
Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence 1-888-778-7091; 303-831-9632 www.ccadv.org
Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault 1-877-372-2272; 303-861-7033 www.ccasa.org
66
Pre/Post Test1. False: Privilege and confidentiality are
NOT the same thing2. True: Victim advocates must always
treat client’s information with confidentiality Except…
3. False: Only certain ones4. False: Never5. False: Must have specified,
documented training, license or supervised by licensed
67
Pre/Post6. True7. False: only victims can waive8. True: only victims can waive9. True10. True11. True: authorities will investigate12. False: get help!13. True14. True
68
Thank you for the work that you do and for
attending this training!
COVAChris Harms