Victim Advocates:
When a crime occurs, the “people of the state” represented by the Solicitor or one of his assistants, prosecute the case. The Victim-Witness Advocates inform victims of their rights. They act as liaisons between the victims and other agencies. They attend court hearings with victims or attend on their behalf. They keep the victims informed of hearing dates, case updates and defendants sentences. They set up pretrial conferences upon a Solicitor’s request and attend them. They attend hearings when requested to attend by the victim or their family.
Introduction to Victim-Witness Assistance:
If you are a victim of a crime or a witness to one, your assistance is vital to our criminal justice system. It is only though your cooperation that criminals can be brought to justice. The following information will help you understand what services are available to assist you, what happens in bringing a case to trial, and your rights as a victim or witness.
Victim-Witness Assistance Program:
During the time it takes to prepare your case for court by law enforcement and the Solicitor’s Office, the Victim-Witness Assistance Program will keep you informed and provide help that includes:
- Crisis intervention
- Status and case management report of your case
- Courtroom Orientation
- Support and assistance while attending court
- Social service referrals
- Claims for victim’s compensation
- Attempted restitution assistance
- Preparation of Victim Impact Statement
- Emergency referrals
- Counseling and follow-up
- Special attention for the young, elderly and disabled
- Employer and school contact
Compensation Fund:
As a victim of a violent crime, you may be eligible for victim compensation from the State Office of Victim Assistance. Contact the Solicitor’s Victim-Witness Program. IF you qualify, you may be paid for expenses resulting from the crime such as loss of earnings or unpaid medical expenses.
Restitution:
You may be entitled to reimbursement of expenses you have incurred by way of personal injury to property loss suffered as a result of a crime. There is no funding available for stolen or damaged personal property. However, you may request the Judge who sentences the defendant after he is found guilty, or pleads guilty, to order the defendant to reimburse you for your loss. Depending on the circumstances, the judge may or may not require the defendant to pay restitution. You can also seek the advice of a civil attorney to attempt to regain your losses.
It is up to you to prove the amount of your loss to the court. Be sure to keep good records and bring them with you to all conferences and court appearances.
Circuit Solicitor:
There are sixteen judicial circuits in the state. Each circuit has one solicitor who is the chief prosecuting attorney. The Solicitor and his assistants represent the State (people) in the prosecution of all criminal cases. We are the 8th Judicial Circuit, comprised of Abbeville, Greenwood, Laurens, and Newberry counties.
Subpoena:
A subpoena is an order directing you to be present at the time and place stated. You may receive your subpoena by mail or in person. Bring your subpoena when you appear on the requested day. If the subpoena requires you to bring an item of evidence, please have it with you.
Preliminary Hearings:
In many cases the law requires that a preliminary hearing be held. If so, your first court appearance may be required at this hearing which is held by a Magistrate without a jury. Here the Magistrate listens to the evidence of the crime and determines whether the case should be sent to the Grand Jury for its consideration. (Normally only a part of the evidence is presented at this time.) The defense attorney is usually present and may ask you questions. If notified, you should appear at the time and place specified. Please feel free to call if you have any questions.
Grand Jury:
The Grand Jury is composed of 18 people who meet prior to each term of court. They consider each case presented to them and determine once again if probable cause has been shown. If probable cause is shown, the Grand Jury returns a True Bill of Indictment, which allows the case to go to trial in General Sessions Court (Criminal Court.) If the Grand Jury does not find probable cause, it returns a No Bill of Indictment, which ends the case. Unless notified, it is not necessary for you to appear before the Grand Jury. Please feel free to contact the Victim-Witness Assistance Program about a Grand Jury date.
Trial or Plea:
The trial will be held in the County Courthouse. In some cases, a trial will not be required because the defendant will plead guilty. When this happens, your testimony will not be required; however, each victim has the right and privilege to be present and address the Judge before sentencing.
Rights of Victims and Witnesses:
- To be treated with dignity and compassion
- To have protection from intimidation and harm
- To be informed concerning the criminal justice process
- The right to reparation
- To preservation of property and employment
- To due process in criminal court
- To special recognition for the very young, elderly, handicapped and others with special needs
If You Become a Victim:
1) First, report the crime to law enforcement
2) Then contact the 8th Circuit Solicitor’s Office Victim-Witness Assistance Program at 864-942-8809.
Fear/Threats:
If you have any fears regarding your involvement in the case, contact the Victim/Witness Assistance Program. On extremely rare occasions you may receive a threat. A person who threatens or harasses a witness is obstructing justice and may be committing a crime. If you are threatened, immediately contact your local police/sheriff’s department or the Solicitor’s Office.