Greenville County Sheriff's Office Victim's Services Page

Victim Services

…Not Deputies, Not Therapists, Victim Advocates…

The role of an advocate is quite unique. We are part of the Criminal Investigations Division of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, though we are not Investigators. Our role in the Criminal Justice System is quite simple; Guide survivors of crime through the aftermath of the traumatic event 24-hours a day through crisis intervention, financial assistance, referrals to many of the excellent service agencies in our area, providing information on the criminal justice system, serving as a liaison between the survivor and the investigator, and being there just to talk. These are some of our basic functions for survivors of violent crime in Greenville County. Our purpose is to serve victims.

Rights of Crime Victims:

To be treated with fairness, respect and dignity throughout the criminal and juvenile justice process. Victims have a right to be informed of their constitutional rights
To be reasonably informed when the accused or convicted person is arrested, released, or has escaped
To be informed of all criminal proceedings, and to be present at those proceedings, when the accused also has the right to be present, for the disposal of charges
To submit a written or oral statement at all hearings affecting bond or bail or the accused
To be heard at any proceeding involving a post-arrest decision, a plea, or sentencing
To be reasonably protected from the accused or persons acting on his/her behalf throughout the criminal justice process
The right to confer with the prosecution after the accused has been charged, or before the trial, or before the disposition or the charges. The victim must be informed of the disposition
After the conclusion of the criminal investigation, the victim has the right to reasonable access to all documents relating to the crime committed against them before trial
To receive prompt and full restitution from the convicted person or disposition and a prompt and final conclusion of their case.

Responsibilities of Crime Victims:

In order to exercise his/her rights and/or receive services, a victim shall provide, as appropriate, his/her legal name, current mailing address, and telephone number to law enforcement, the prosecuting agency, the summary court judge, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and/or the attorney general.