To the editor:

It was a devastating and fateful night. Nothing could put the pieces back together. A 22-year-old KU student had been killed by a drunken driver. Nothing could make it right.

Nevertheless, in a step toward healing and catharsis, last month the distraught members of the deceased young man’s family had a chance to tell a judge just how outraged they were by the 25-year-old driver’s actions.

The driver had been convicted of vehicular homicide. The family was in court during sentencing and talking to the judge because Kansas law protects crime victims’ rights to be present at all hearings and to be heard concerning appropriate penalties for those who harm them.

This is Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Victims’ rights allow balance in the criminal justice system. The Douglas County District Attorney’s office believes by keeping victims informed and involved, we enhance victims’ personal safety and the safety of our community. In supporting justice for crime victims, we invest in achieving justice for all and in the process, learn humbling lessons from the victims.

Last month, as they mourned the death of a loved one, the distraught family was able to ask the judge to focus on larger issues, the safety of our community and need to protect others from the same tragedy they experienced. It takes extraordinary character to move beyond personal pain to reach out in concern for others.

I invite all citizens of Douglas County to join me in celebrating National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

Charles Branson,

Douglas County district attorney