Northern Judicial Circuit
Serving Elbert, Franklin, Hart, Madison, and Oglethorpe Counties
VICTIMS' ASSISTANCE
The purpose of the District Attorney's Office Victims' Assistance Program is to provide direct support and notification services to victims of crime. The services provided to victims of crime are mandated by Georgia law under the Georgia Crime Victims Bill of Rights (O.C.G.A. §§ 17-17-1 et seq). Such mandates include, but are not limited to, notification to all crime victims of court hearings and education about the stages involved in the criminal justice system. Staff advocates also strive to improve the treatment of victims and witnesses by providing them with assistance and services necessary to speed their recovery from a criminal act and to support and aid them as they move through an unfamiliar, complicated, and time consuming criminal justice system. The most essential services provided include keeping the victim notified of the status of their case and providing opportunities for them to participate in the process, educating victims about the criminal justice system, and ensuring each person is aware of any additional service programs in the community that might also be able to assist them.
The Northern Judicial Circuit District Attorney Victims' Service Program does not discriminate against individuals or groups on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability or genetic information. If you believe you have been the target of discrimination, you have the right to file a civil rights complaint. Information on how to file a civil rights complaint can be found on the Office of Justice Programs website.
Kristie Cross
Victims’ Services Director
Grant Coordinator/ Child Fatality Review Chair
Office of the District Attorney
RESOURCES
STATE GOVERNMENT
PROTECT YOURSELF
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Experian Credit Freeze
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ReportIt (a system for maintaining secure records of your personal property)
EXTERNAL RESOURCES
HELPING THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN VICTIMIZED
CRIME VICTIMS' BILL OF RIGHTS
(1) The right to reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of any scheduled court proceedings or any changes to such proceedings;
(2) The right to reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of the arrest, release, or escape of the accused;
(3) The right not to be excluded from any scheduled court proceedings, except as provided in this chapter or as otherwise required by law;
(4) The right to be heard at any scheduled court proceedings involving the release, plea, or sentencing of the accused;
(5) The right to file a written objection in any parole proceedings involving the accused;
(6) The right to confer with the prosecuting attorney in any criminal prosecution related to the victim;
(7) The right to restitution as provided by law;
(8) The right to proceedings free from unreasonable delay; and
(9) The right to be treated fairly and with dignity by all criminal justice agencies involved in the case.