text: why does is seem like defendents in crimes sometimes have more rights than the victim? when an adult admits to raping a fifteen year old girl in an oral statement given to police, why can it be tossed out the window by the state's atty when his lawyer comes?  it then takes two months to a year and a half for the evidence obtained in a rape kit to come back before the man can be charged.  where exactly are the rights of the victim upheld there? this is a great question and it has nothing to do with bleeding heart liberals or any political bashing.  unfortunately what happens usually when someone is arrested and then questioned by the police they are not read their rights on purpose.  because the un-written rule is whatever the accused says prior to being read their rights is considered a spontaneous comment.  as soon as the accused ask for an attorney all questioning is suppose to stop.  if it continues anything said after and before that point is inadmissable in court.     this is where coercion comes to play.  the accused can say he was coerced into signing the confession.  which in many cases happens.  some police officers get anxious to solve the case.  most police officers have the best intentions of the victims in mind.  but by not following the law and rules or knowing how to write a report they end up hurting the victim.  because now the accused can get off on technicalities caused by the investigation of the police.  does this make sense?  the victim can pursue a civil law suit against the accused also.  a civil law suit is mostly for damages which means money for the victim.  a criminal court is for punishment.  sometime you can collect damages while they are in prison or jail.  for instance if the judge states the accused must pay restitution then any money he receives from family, friends or whatever while incarcerated will go to the victim.  as far as victim's rights.  well it is a lowsy program.  there are victims rights groups out there.  ask the nearest probation office where they are so your friend can get some help.  the victim's rights groups would be the bleeding heart liberals you are being told to stay away from.  i am truly sorry for the pain you and your daughter are going through.  you probably here it all the time to get counseling.  but how does counseling really help such a violation.  i can only tell you how the system works.  it is not the best system but it does work at times.  hopefully the da will pursue this and put this guy behind bars.   i have an old friend from the service whose daughter was murdered at 18 yrs old.  my son and her grew up together. this world has to be hell.  that is all i have to say.