2014 Wyoming Statutes
TITLE 6 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES
CHAPTER 2 - OFFENSES AGAINST THE PERSON
ARTICLE 7 - HUMAN TRAFFICKING
6-2-709. Victims' rights; services.

6-2-709. Victims' rights; services.

(a) As soon as possible after the initial encounter with a person who reasonably appears to a law enforcement agency, district or county and prosecuting attorneys' office to be a victim of human trafficking, the agency or office shall:

(i) Notify the victim services division within the office of the attorney general that the person may be eligible for services under this article; and

(ii) Make a preliminary assessment of whether the victim or possible victim of human trafficking appears to meet the criteria for certification as a victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons as defined in the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, 22 U.S.C. section 7105, or appears to be otherwise eligible for any federal, state or local benefits and services. If it is determined that the victim appears to meet such criteria, the agency or office shall report the finding to the victim and shall refer the victim to services available, including legal service providers. If the possible victim is a minor or is a vulnerable adult, the agency or office shall also notify the department of family services.

(b) The attorney general, a district or county and prosecuting attorney or any law enforcement official shall certify in writing to the United States Department of Justice or other federal agency, such as the United States Department of Homeland Security, that an investigation or prosecution under this article has begun and the individual who is a likely victim of a crime described in this article is willing to cooperate or is cooperating with the investigation to enable the individual, if eligible under federal law, to qualify for an appropriate special immigrant visa and to access available federal benefits. Cooperation with law enforcement shall not be required of victims of a crime described in this article who are minors. This certification shall be made available to the victim and the victim's designated legal representative.

(c) Victims of human trafficking under W.S. 6-2-702 through 6-2-706 shall be informed of the rights enumerated in this section, the victim's right to informed consent and the victim's rights as a victim of crime. The victim shall also be informed of available housing, educational, medical, legal and advocacy services.

(d) Victims of human trafficking are entitled to restitution and forms of compensation under the Crime Victims Compensation Act.

(e) In a prosecution for an offense under this article, police and prosecuting agencies shall keep the identity of the victim and the victim's family confidential. The prosecutor shall take reasonable steps to protect the victim and the victim's family from being revictimized.