Crime Victim Rights and Legal Options in San Francisco County

As a crime victim in San Francisco County, California law gives you powerful constitutional protections under Marsy's Law. Whether you're dealing with domestic violence, a violent assault, stalking, or sexual assault, you have enforceable rights — from the right to be notified of court proceedings to the right to receive restitution from the offender.

San Francisco's court system and victim services are among the most developed in California. This guide explains your Marsy's Law rights, how to file for protection at the Hall of Justice, and where to find free legal help throughout the city.

Your Rights Under Marsy's Law in San Francisco County

Marsy's Law (California Constitution, Article I, Section 28) grants crime victims 17 constitutional rights. These are not optional — they are legally enforceable. In San Francisco, the District Attorney's Victim Services Unit is required to inform you of these rights and assist you in exercising them.

Your Most Important Rights

• Right to notification — You must be informed of all public court proceedings related to your case.
• Right to be present — You can attend every public proceeding in your case.
• Right to be heard — You can make a statement at bail hearings, plea agreements, sentencing, and parole hearings.
• Right to restitution — The offender must pay for all losses: medical bills, lost wages, therapy costs, property damage.
• Right to refuse defense interviews — The defendant's attorney or investigator cannot contact you without your consent. This is absolute.
• Right to privacy — Your personal information must be kept confidential by the court and the DA's office.
• Right to protection — You have the right to reasonable protection from the defendant and their associates.
• Right to a speedy trial — Your case should proceed without unreasonable delay.

San Francisco Courthouse Information

Hall of Justice — Criminal Division

Address: 850 Bryant Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: (415) 551-1000
The Hall of Justice handles all criminal proceedings in San Francisco — including domestic violence cases, assault, stalking, and sexual assault. This is where you'll attend hearings for criminal protective orders.

San Francisco Superior Court — Family Law Division

Address: 400 McAllister Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Family law restraining orders (DVROs, Civil Harassment Restraining Orders) are filed here at the Civic Center courthouse. The Self-Help Center on the 4th floor provides free form assistance.

San Francisco Family Justice Center

The San Francisco Family Justice Center in the SoMa district provides a single location for DV and sexual assault survivors to access legal aid, victim advocacy, medical services, counseling, and law enforcement — all under one roof. This is a resource designed specifically for you.

Filing for Protection in San Francisco

Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO)

If you're a survivor of domestic violence, file form DV-100 at the Family Law Division (400 McAllister Street). The process:

1. Complete DV-100 at the Self-Help Center (free assistance available)
2. File at the clerk's window — no filing fee for DVROs
3. Judge reviews same day — TRO can be issued immediately
4. San Francisco Sheriff's Office serves the order at no cost
5. Permanent hearing within 20-25 days (order can last up to 5 years)

Criminal Protective Order

In criminal cases, the District Attorney will ask the court to issue a criminal protective order as a condition of the defendant's bail or release. This is separate from a DVRO — you should pursue both simultaneously. Contact the DA's Victim Services Unit to ensure your criminal protective order is in place.

Civil Harassment Restraining Order

For harassment by non-intimate partners — a neighbor, coworker, landlord, or stranger — file a Civil Harassment Restraining Order (CHRO) at the Civic Center courthouse. The standard is a credible threat of violence or a pattern of harassment (not just annoying contact).

San Francisco DA's Victim Services Unit

The San Francisco District Attorney's Office maintains a dedicated Victim Services Unit that can:

• Notify you of all court dates, plea offers, and case outcomes
• Help you prepare and deliver a victim impact statement at sentencing
• Explain your Marsy's Law rights and ensure they are respected
• Assist with California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) applications
• Connect you with emergency housing, counseling, and financial assistance
• Coordinate with the court on restitution orders

Contact the DA's Victim Services Unit at (415) 553-9000 or visit Room 301 at the Hall of Justice (850 Bryant Street).

Free Legal Help in San Francisco

• La Raza Centro Legal — Free legal services for Latino communities in San Francisco. Call 415-575-3150.
• Asian American Bar Association Referrals — Attorney referrals. Call 415-882-9800.
• Bay Area Legal Aid (BayLegal) — Free civil legal services. Call 415-982-1300.
• San Francisco Bar Association Lawyer Referral — Call 415-989-1616.
• Woman's Center for Economic Opportunity — DV financial advocacy and legal referrals. Call 415-487-2510.
• SF SAFE (Safety Awareness for Everyone) — Crime victim advocacy and support. Call 415-674-7233.
• San Francisco Family Justice Center — Co-located legal, medical, and advocacy services. Call 415-401-4800.

You can also browse our San Francisco County attorney directory for attorneys who serve the city.

San Francisco-Specific Resources

Immigrant and Undocumented Survivors

San Francisco has robust victim services for immigrant communities. The SFHDV (San Francisco Human Development Initiative) and La Raza Centro Legal can connect you with legal aid regardless of immigration status. You do not need to be a US citizen or have a Social Security number to file a restraining order or receive victim services.

LGBTQ+ Survivors

SFSU's Center for Violence Prevention and Recovery and the SF LGBT Center provide culturally specific DV services for LGBTQ+ survivors. The DA's office has a dedicated Hate Crimes Unit that handles crimes targeting LGBTQ+ individuals.

SOMA and Street Crime Victims

Victims of crimes in the SoMa and Tenderloin neighborhoods have access to the SF SAFE program and the Family Justice Center, both of which serve the highest-crime areas of the city with dedicated victim advocates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marsy's Law and does it apply in San Francisco?

Yes. Marsy's Law (California Constitution, Article I, Section 28) applies statewide, including in San Francisco. It guarantees 17 enforceable rights to crime victims, including the right to be notified, the right to be heard at sentencing, and the right to receive restitution.

Where do I file a DVRO in San Francisco?

File at the Family Law Division of the San Francisco Superior Court: 400 McAllister Street, San Francisco, CA 94102. The Self-Help Center on the 4th floor provides free form assistance. There is no filing fee for DVROs.

How do I register to be notified about my case?

Contact the DA's Victim Services Unit at 415-553-9000. You can also register with VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) at 1-877-411-VINE for automated custody status updates. Under Marsy's Law, you have the right to be notified of all proceedings.

Can I get restitution if the offender has no money?

The court will order restitution regardless of the offender's ability to pay. The California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) can also reimburse you directly for out-of-pocket expenses — call 1-800-777-9229 or file at victims.ca.gov. CalVCB eligibility does not depend on the offender's financial status.

What if the DA declines to prosecute my case?

Under Marsy's Law, you have the right to confer with the prosecution before the case is dismissed. Even if the DA declines to prosecute the criminal case, you can still pursue a civil restraining order and file a CalVCB claim. Contact a victim rights attorney for civil remedies.

Need help with your case? Browse our San Francisco County attorney directory or use our free intake tool to get started.