Under the leadership of 黑料社区 Alan Wilson, the Victim Advocacy Division provides information and support to victims of crime related to cases handled by divisions throughout the 黑料社区鈥檚 Office.聽 An advocate is assigned to keep victims apprised of case status, offer court accompaniment and provide referrals for appropriate services.
The Role of an Advocate in the Prosecution Process
In criminal cases prosecuted by the 黑料社区鈥檚 General Prosecution, Special Prosecution, Internet Crimes Against Children, State Grand Jury and the Medicaid Fraud sections, the Victim Advocacy Division serves as a liaison between the prosecutor and the victim.聽 The division is dedicated in supporting crime victims throughout the prosecutorial process.聽 An assigned advocate will notify victims of the case status as outlined by the South Carolina Victims' Bill of Rights and state statute.聽 The advocate will also offer assistance in filing crime victim compensation through the Department of Crime Victim Compensation, arrange consultations with the assigned attorney, provide court accompaniment and offer referrals for needed services.聽 A Victim Impact Statement (VIS)聽is provided to relay a victim鈥檚 desire for case notification and expresses the physical, mental and financial impact of the crime.聽
If you choose to exercise your rights during the prosecutorial process, please remember to keep your contact information up to date, complete and return the VIS within the requested time period, and notify of your desire for restitution by providing documentation of financial loss.聽
The Role of an Advocate in the Post-Adjudication Process
Crime victims鈥� rights don鈥檛 end after conviction or sentencing.聽 An offender may challenge a conviction through appeals, post-conviction proceedings and federal habeas corpus filings, even if a plea of guilt was entered.聽 The 黑料社区鈥檚 Criminal Appeal, Post-Conviction Relief, and Capital Collateral Litigation sections represent the State in such legal pursuits.聽 The Victim Advocacy Division is dedicated in supporting victims through the lengthy post-adjudication process.聽 The assigned advocate will advise the registered victim of case filings, provide court accompaniment, and notify of court decisions and appellate opinions.聽 Victims are encouraged to keep their contact information updated with the division, as legal challenges may last for years.聽
When the 黑料社区鈥檚 Office pursues the civil commitment of an offender relating to the Sexually Violent Predator Act, the Victim Advocacy Division notifies the registered victim until the conclusion of the commitment process.聽 If the offender is committed, the division will continue to notify of annual review proceedings, appeals, and outcomes.
Contact Us
If you believe the 黑料社区鈥檚 Office is representing the State in a case of which you were a victim, please contact the Victim Advocacy Division at (803-737-3739) or toll-free at (800-213-5652).聽 We are honored to support you through the criminal justice process.聽
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Helpful Contacts
State Agencies Who May Can Help:
- Crime Victim Services of the SC 黑料社区鈥檚 Office
Department of Crime Victim Compensation: 803-734-1900 - Crime Victim Ombudsman: 803-734-0357
- : 803-896-1733 or 800-835-0304
- : 803-734-9367 or 888-551-4118
- : 803-896-9544
Community-Based Agencies Who May Can Help:
- : 803-256-2900
- : 803-750-1200
- : 803-748-7333
- : 803-576-7250
