VICTIM-WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Office of the Fulton County Solicitor General is dedicated to assisting victims through the criminal justice process and making sure that criminals are held accountable for their actions. Misdemeanor crimes, especially cases of family violence, should be treated seriously. Our attorneys, legal assistants, investigators, victims’ advocates, and administrators handle thousands of misdemeanor cases. It is our goal to do so fairly, efficiently and professionally.
The Fulton County Solicitor General’s Office has a Victim Assistance Program to ensure that your rights as a victim of crime are protected. Victim Advocates are available to answer your questions, offer support, and provide information about the court process.
VICTIM-WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM IS HERE TO:
- Provide information about your rights as a victim of crime
- Accompany you to court hearings and provide emotional support during the court process
- Provide referrals to social service agencies in the community
- Assist you in applying for Crime Victims Compensation and Restitution
- Assist you in filing Family Violence and Stalking Temporary Protective Orders
- Document injuries by taking photographs
- Assist you in developing a safety plan
- Loan 911 cellular phones
- Provide a comfortable area for victims and their family during court appearances
- Provide individual counseling sessions for victims of crime, especially crimes involving family violence and vehicular homicide
- Provide community speakers on domestic violence, stalking, and victimization.
As a victim of a crime you have rights. The Fulton County Solicitor General’s Victim Assistance Program will assist you in maintaining your rights as a victim. The victim of a crime has a right to:
- Make a written request to be notified of scheduled court proceedings.
- Designate a spouse, adult child, sibling, parent or grandparent to assume his/her rights if the victim is not physically able to do so.
- Request that any information regarding his/her address, place of employment and telephone number be kept confidential.
- Ask to wait in an area separate from the accused.
- Be given an opportunity to voice his/her opinion regarding plea or sentence recommendation and referral to diversion programs.
Protective Orders
A Temporary Protective Order (“TPO”) is a civil order that may be issued when family violence or stalking has occurred. It can:
- Prohibit the abuser from doing certain things (like contacting you, coming within 200 yards of you, going to your home or workplace).
- Require the abuser to do certain things that are needed to keep you and your children safe (like moving out of the shared residence, paying temporary support, or providing an alternative place for you and your children).
- Award temporary child custody and visitation.
- Require the abuser to reimburse you for any expenses you have had related to the abuse (like medical bills, lost wages, damage to your property).
- Require the abuser to attend domestic violence counseling, get substance abuse treatment, and/or psychiatric treatment.