Victim-Witness Program
As set forth in the Victim and Witness Protection Act of 1982, the Crime Control Act of 1990, the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, and the pursuant Attorney General Guidelines, the federal government must ensure that innocent victims of crime have their rights upheld, have their dignity and privacy respected, and are treated with fairness. During a prosecution, the U.S. Attorney's Office in the district where the prosecution is pending is responsible for performing the services due victims.
Federal crime victims have the following rights:
- To be treated with fairness and with respect for their dignity and privacy.
- To be reasonably protected from the accused offender.
- To be notified of court proceedings.
- To be present at all public court proceedings related to the offense, unless the court determines that testimony by the victim would be materially affected if you as the victim heard other testimony at trial.
- To confer with the attorney for the Government in the case.
- To restitution.
- To information about the conviction, sentencing, imprisonment, and release of the offender.
There are two Victim-Witness Coordinators in the District of South Carolina. The one for Columbia and Greenville can be reached at (800) 837-2655. The coordinator for Charleston and Florence can be reached at (800) 504-2630.
