SB 585

Under current law, if a person is convicted of a crime, the court may order a

presentence investigation report be prepared. Generally, the presentence

investigation report is confidential. However, under current law, the district

attorney and the defendant's attorney are entitled to have and keep a copy of the

presentence investigation report. If the defendant is not represented by counsel, the

defendant is entitled to view the presentence investigation report but may not keep

a copy of the report. A district attorney or defendant's attorney who receives a copy

of the report shall keep it confidential. A defendant who views the contents of a

presentence investigation report shall keep the information in the report

confidential.

Also under current law, a victim of a crime has certain rights, including the

right to have the person preparing a presentence investigation report make a

reasonable attempt to contact the victim in order to determine the economic,

physical, and psychological effect of the crime on the victim. The victim does not have

the right to view the presentence investigation report.

Under this bill, a victim of a crime has a right to view the sentencing

recommendations contained in the presentence investigation report and the portions

of the report that contain information pertaining to the victim himself or herself.

Under the bill, a victim who views any contents of a presentence investigation report

may not keep a copy of any portion of the report and must keep the information he

or she views confidential.