Blacksburg Police Department
A Victim or Witness has the Following Rights:
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To be treated with fairness, respect and dignity and to be free from intimidation, harassment, or abuse and informed of a victim’s constitutional rights.
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To be reasonably informed when the accused or convicted person is arrested, released from custody, or has escaped.
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To be informed of and present at all criminal proceedings which are dispositive of the charges where the defendant has the right to be present.
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To be allowed to submit either a written or oral statement at all hearings affecting bond or bail.
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To be heard at any proceeding involving a post-arrest, a plea, or sentencing.
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To be reasonably protected from the accused or persons acting on his/her behalf throughout the criminal justice process.
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To confer with the prosecution after the crime against the victim has been charged, before the trial, or before any disposition, and informed of the disposition.
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To have reasonable access after the conclusion of the criminal investigation to all documents relating to the crime against the victim before trial.
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To receive prompt and full restitution from the convicted person or persons.
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To be informed of any proceeding when any post-conviction action or hearing occurs, and be present at any hearing.
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To receive a reasonable disposition and prompt and final conclusion of the case.
A Victim or Witness has the Following Responsibilities:
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To provide your legal name, current mailing address, and current telephone number to the appropriate agency.
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Inform appropriate agencies of any change in your name, address, or telephone number.
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Inform the Solicitor’s Office or the court if you desire to be present for any hearing or sentencing.
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In order to receive restitution, provide full details of the financial impact of the crime committed against you in a timely manner.
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Inform the Solicitor’s Office or the Court of your rights to make a written or oral Victim Impact Statement in a timely manner.
What if a Victim or Witness is Harassed or Threatened?:
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Immediately contact the Blacksburg Police Department to report the harassment or threats.
The South Carolina Victim’s Compensation Fund:
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This fund may provide benefits to victims of crime for medical expenses, counseling, and loss of earnings that are not covered by other sources. It does not provide compensation for property loss or pain and suffering.
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To determine if you qualify for the compensation fund, to receive assistance with filing an application, or to find out what other financial assistance may be available, please contact the Blacksburg Police Department, Office of Victim Assistance at (864) 839-2331. You may also contact the South Carolina Governor’s Office, Division of Victim Assistance at 1-800-220-5370.
Support for Victims of Crime:
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Law Enforcement Victim Advocates with the Blacksburg Police Department, Office of Victim Assistance provide services to victims and witnesses from the time the crime occurs, during the investigation, and throughout the Criminal Justice System.
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The above information is an overview of your rights as a victim of crime. If you need additional information or would like to review your rights, you may contact the Victim’s Advocate of the Blacksburg Police Department, Office of Victim Assistance at (864) 839-2331. Our office is located in the Blacksburg Police Department at 101 South Shelby Street, Blacksburg, South Carolina 29702.
Important Numbers for Victims:
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Blacksburg Emergency….. 911
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Blacksburg Police Department….. 864-839-2331 or 864-839-2515
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SAFE Homes Rape Crisis Coalition *….. (24-hour Hotline) 864-583-9803 or 1-800-273-5066
* (Shelter and assistance available for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.) -
Cherokee County Detention Center….. 864-487-2529
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S.C. Department of Juvenile Justice….. 864-487-2564
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Blacksburg Magistrate’s Court….. 864-839-2492
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Solicitor’s Office….. 864-487-2576
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S.C. Governor’s Office, Crime Victim’s Ombudsman….. 1-888-238-0697