Know Your Rights
The information below describes your rights in various contexts. It is intended to be a starting point and is not provided as legal advice. If you need legal advice, you can search for legal resources here.
Crime Victims Rights in the District of Columbia
These are your rights as a victim of any crime in the District of Columbia.
LinkU/211 Warm Line
Search for free and reduced cost services, like medical care, food, housing, and more in the DC Metropolitan Area.
Rights of Migrants in the District of Columbia
Overview of migrant and refugee rights in Washington, D.C., including legal protections, access to public services, and resources available to ensure fair treatment and support for immigrant communities.
Rights of Migrants in the United States
Basic rights of all individuals in the U.S., including undocumented immigrants, and provides actionable guidance on handling interactions with ICE and law enforcement while protecting those rights.
Rights When Interacting with Police
The ACLU’s guide outlines your rights during interactions with police, including the right to remain silent, avoid unwarranted searches, and request legal representation, while offering strategies to reduce risk, handle arrests, and report rights violations.
SAVRAA Victims’ Rights Card
This card provides a summary of the rights of sexual assault survivors under the Sexual Assault Victims Rights Amendment Act (SAVRAA).
Sexual Assault Victim Feedback Form
The Sexual Assault Response Team’s Feedback Review Committee receives and investigates comments as well as complaints from sexual assault survivors regarding their experiences with the District’s sexual assault response system.
Volunteer Legal Advocates (formerly DCVLP) Empowerment Toolkit
This brochure provides information about your rights as a victim of crime in the District of Columbia, how to get a protection order, and where to go for various related resources.