Contact: Director of Victim Services
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For more information about the District Attorney's Office please go to www.DouglasCountyDA.org
"The Douglas County District Attorney's Office Victim-Witness Assistance Program is here to serve crime victims in Douglas County. No one asks to become a victim. It is critical that my office is available to help you.
I recognize that most victims are unfamiliar with their rights and the procedures of the justice system. Because the Court process can be frustrating and confusing, my office is here to serve you. Through our Victim-Witness Assistance Program, we will help answer all your questions, make sure you understand your rights, and if you choose to be involved in the Court process, we will support you along the way.
Please take the time now to read the following information. The Douglas County District Attorney's Office wants to help you. Please call; a Victim-Witness Assistant is available to speak to you, and provide you with the information you need to know."
- David McDade, District Attorney
What are Victim's Rights?
The law in Georgia requires the Criminal Justice System to allow victims certain rights. The following is a summary of each of those rights.
The Right To Be Notifed
As a victim of crime, you have the right to be notified of the following:- arrest of the person accused of committing the crime against you;
- availability of victim service programs;
- availability of compensation for victims of violent crimes;
- any Court hearing where release of the accused will be considered;
- Court proceedings during the prosecution of the case;
- motion for new trial or appeal hearings; and
- parole or change in status after the completion of any Court-ordered sentence.
You Have The Right To:- express your opinion on the release of the defendant pending Court proceedings;
- express your views on the outcome of the case prior to plea negotiations or sentencing of the defendant;
- complete a Victim Impact Statement utilized by the prosecutor and the Court;
- a separate and secure waiting area during any Court proceeding - if you are required to attend Court, you will be escorted throughout the Courthouse by a member of the District Attorney's Office staff and to a separate, safe area away from the defendant and/or the defendant's family.
Victim Impact Statement
As a victim of crime, you have a right to describe how the crime has affected you emotionally and financially. If the defendant pleads or is found guilty, the prosecuting attorney and Judge may use the Victim Impact Statement during sentencing. If the accused is placed on probation or sentenced to prison, this information, at your request, can be shared with the Douglasville Probation Department, the State of Georgia Department of Corrections, and/or the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles. This Statement must be completed immediately and returned to the District Attorney's Office.
How To Exercise Your Rights
In order for you to exercise your rights, you must request notification and provide the law enforcement agency investigating the case, the Douglas County Jail, and the District Attorney's Office with contact information, including a current address and phone numbers. This information must be updated if there are any changes. If you want to continue to receive information concerning your case after a defendant has been sentenced, you must keep the District Attorney's Office, the Douglasville Probation Office, the Georgia Department of Corrections, and the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles informed of your current address and phone number.
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