The Right To Be Heard

Empowering and Supporting Crime Victims

By District Attorney Shannon Wallace

Most people are aware that criminals are afforded many rights protected by law, starting with the right to remain silent.

However, few people are aware that victims are also protected by laws that give them the right to be heard.

Starting back in the 1980s, federal and state laws began to address the rights of crime victims. In 1982, the U.S. Congress passed a law to provide protection and assistance to victims in federal cases. Two years later, Congress passed a law giving crime victims the right to restitution, notification of court proceedings, and information about the conviction of offenders.

Georgia has also enacted similar laws, including a 1988 constitutional amendment that authorized payment for services to people harmed by violent crime. Then, in 1995, the Georgia legislature passed the Crime Victims Bill of Rights, providing the right for citizens to be informed, present, and heard concerning the criminal case in which they were affected. In 2018, Georgia voters passed Marsys Law, which added other victim rights to our state constitution.

Georgia Crime Victims Bill of Rights

While a complete listing can be found in O.C.G.A. 17-17-1, as a victim of crime in Georgia, you have the right to:

• Reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of any scheduled court proceedings
• Reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of the arrest, release, or escape of the accused
• Not be excluded from any scheduled court proceedings involving the accused, except as provided by law
• Be heard at any scheduled court proceedings involving the release, plea, or sentencing of the accused
• File a written objection in any parole proceedings involving the accused
• Confer with the prosecutor in any criminal prosecution related to the victim
• Restitution as provided by law
• Be treated fairly and with dignity by all criminal justice agencies

Victim Witness Assistance Program

In 1993, the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit District Attorneys Office established the Victim Witness Assistance Program to aid people affected by crime. Today, we have nine advocates on our staff who offer support and guidance to crime victims 2,698 people in 2019 alone.

The services these advocates provide uphold the Georgia Crime Victims Bill of Rights, including notification of case status, education about the criminal justice system, accompaniment and support during criminal proceedings, referrals to resources, and assistance in filing for victim related compensation.

National Crime Victims Rights Week (April 19-25)

Victims and their rights are honored each year through rallies, vigils, forums, and other awareness activities throughout National Crime Victims Rights Week. This years theme is Seek Justice, Ensure Victims Rights, Inspire Hope.

During the week, our office will distribute awareness information on what to do if you become a victim of crime and what your statutory rights are.

We hope you never find yourself in need of crime victim services. But if you do, we will be here to help guide and protect you.

For more information, contact the Victim Witness Assistance Program at 770-479-1488.