Victims of Crime

In accordance with O.C.G.A. Title 17, the Georgia Crime Victim's Bill of Rights, the University of North Georgia Police provides the following:

If you are a victim, or a family member of a victim, of one or more of the following types of crimes:

• Serious Injury by Vehicle
• Sexual Battery / Rape / Sexual Assault
• Reckless Conduct
• Burglary
• Feticide by Vehicle
• Homicide
• Homicide by Vehicle
• Theft
• Assault / Battery
• Feticide
• False Imprisonment
• Armed Robbery
• Sexual Exploitation of a Child
• Kidnapping
• Cruelty to Children
• Arson

You are entitled to know the following:

1. It is possible that the accused may be released from custody prior to trial;
2. that you, as a victim, have certain rights during the various stages of the criminal justice process;
3. additional information about your rights can be obtained by contacting the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council at (404) 559-4949;
4. you may be eligible for monetary compensation for certain out-of-pocket expenses (from the State's Crime Victim's Emergency Fund) incurred as a result of your victimization;
5. you may contact the local District Attorney's Office or the Governor's Victim Assistance Help Line at 1-800-338-6745 for assistance or clarification of your rights.
6. You must be notified, by the investigating law enforcement agency, of the accused's arrest; and you must provide the investigating law enforcement agency with your current address and phone number if you wish to be contacted. Pagers or cellular phone numbers are not sufficient.

Studies demonstrate police can decrease the incidents and severity of family violence by making an arrest when probable cause exists. Therefore, the officer that responds will arrest when the officer can legally do so.  The decision to arrest does not lie with the victim of domestic violence, but is the decision of the officer based on state law and our policy.

After an arrest is made, the officer will assist you in making arrangements for your safety. The officer will stand by while you gather personal items, such as clothing for yourself and your children. The officer will also transport you to a house of a friend or family or will make arrangements with a representative of a domestic violence shelter to provide you with a place to stay. The officer will also provide the above services if no arrest is made if the suspect has left the scene or if there is a lack of probable cause to arrest.

This program assists innocent violent crime victims with out-of-pocket medical or counseling bills, funeral costs and lost wages directly related to their victimization. Eligibility for funds is based on criteria designed by the State of Georgia.

You may be eligible if you are:

• A victim of a violent crime
• A dependent spouse or child or such a victim
• A reasonably acting "Good Samaritan"
• A family violence victim
• A DUI crash victim
• A parent / guardian of an eligible minor
• Any person who is not a direct service provider and who assumes the cost of an eligible expense of a victim, regardless of such person's relationship to the victim or whether such person is a dependent of the victim.

You are not eligible if you are:

• A victim who was incarcerated or was currently serving an existing sentence for a felony involving criminally injurious conduct
• A victim that does not cooperate with law enforcement, prosecution, or the Council
• A victim that contributed to their victimization
• A victim whose sole loss was property

Other requirements include:

• The crime must be reported to law enforcement within 72 hours, unless good cause is shown; and
• A completed application must be filled out and submitted within 180 days of the incident, unless good cause is shown.

As a victim of a crime it is easy to feel you have no rights.  The Victim Assistance Program is here to:

• Give you moral support by providing someone with whom you may talk.
• Help you if you are intimidated, harassed or afraid.
• Inform you of the status of your case.
• Give you notice of court hearings and procedures.
• Provide an orientation to the courtroom setting.
• Provide a companion to attend court with you and provide emotional support.
• Refer you to social service agencies and other groups and individuals who can help you with personal problems resulting from the crime.
• Assist you with solving problems caused by the necessity of court appearances.  For example: contact your employer if you need to miss work.
• Inform the prosecuting attorney of your feelings about the case and any financial losses you may have suffered.
• Provide you with the information regarding parole of the defendant and accompany you to the parole board if you desire.