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Georgia Crime Victims Bill of Rights

The Georgia Crime Victims Bill of Rights requires that a system of notification services for all victims, and a system of compensation and assistance services for victims who meet specified criteria, be initiated when a crime is committed. Regardless of whether a suspect is apprehended, all victims are to receive written notification of: the possibility of pretrial release of the accused, their rights and roles in the criminal justice process, the availability of compensation, and the availability of community-based assistance programs.

Once a suspect is arrested, the Crime Victims Bill of Rights states that the victim has the right to receive information on: the suspect’s custody status; court proceedings; the availability of compensation, services, and assistance; the availability of temporary restraining or protective orders; and the right to participate in the sentencing and parole process by filing a victim impact statement. These notifications are handled by local law enforcement personnel, prosecuting attorney’s; offices, and state level agencies.  Once an offender is sentenced to a state correctional institution, victims may register to receive notification on the offender’s custody and parole status. The victim may also choose to submit a victim impact statement or a letter of protest to be used by the Board of Pardons and Paroles when the offender is considered for parole.

Mailing Address

PO Box 853

Vidalia, GA 30475

912-538-9935 Vidalia Office

478-268-9156 Swainsboro Outreach Office

912-538-9936  Sexual Assault Center

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The Refuge Domestic Violence Shelter, Inc. does not discriminate against individuals or group on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex or disability.  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 (http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/about/ocr/complaint.htm) or by contacting the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council at 404-657-1956

2018 The Refuge

“This project is supported by State Sub-Award No. X24-8-072 administered by the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office for Victims of Crime or the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council.”

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