Should crime victims hire their own attorneys?

[RandySF]

I've been following the case of 17-year old Savannah Dietrich, a sexual assault victim who faces possible Contempt of Court charges for violating a gag order and naming her juvenile attackers after receiving reduced sentences. Based on what I read, she was never informed by the court or prosecuting attorneys about the plea until the last minute, no was she informed that she could have objected to the gag order.

So my question is this: Should crime victims hire attorneys or contact some other advocate to make sure that they are fully aware of their rights throughout the process? This case makes me less likely to trust DA's anymore.

[1-Old-Man]

1. What rights do victims have?

[elleng]

2. In some circumstances, yes.

DAs have their own agendas, and most really do work in the public interest. Don't know enough about this case to say much more, but if the judge imposed a gag order on the victim/witness, she was bound to honor it.

[RandySF]

3. Details

http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Kentucky-teen-faces-charge-for-naming-attackers-3724973.php