- Be treated with fairness, respect, and dignity, and to be free from intimidation, harassment, or abuse, throughout the criminal and juvenile justice process, and informed of the victim's constitutional rights, provided by statute.
- Be reasonably informed when the accused or convicted person is arrested, released from custody, or has escaped.
- Be informed of and present at any criminal proceedings which are dispositive of the charges where the defendant has the right to be present.
- Be reasonably informed of and be allowed to submit either a written or oral statement at all hearings affecting bond or bail.
- Be heard at any proceeding involving a post-arrest release decision, a plea, or sentencing.
- Bbe reasonably protected from the accused or persons acting on his behalf throughout the criminal justice process.
- 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.
- Have reasonable access after the conclusion of the criminal investigation to all documents relating to the crime against the victim before trial.
- Receive prompt and full restitution from the person or persons convicted of the criminal conduct that caused the victim's loss or injury including both adult and juvenile offenders.
- Be informed of any proceeding when any post-conviction action is being considered, and be present at any post-conviction hearing involving a post-conviction release decision.
- A reasonable disposition and prompt and final conclusion of the case.
- Have all rules governing criminal procedure and the admissibility of evidence in all criminal proceedings protect victims rights and have these rules subject to amendment or repeal by the legislature to ensure protection of these rights.
Victims' Compensation Fund
SOVA can help with certain types of crime related costs. In every case, the expense has to be linked to losses from injury or death as a result of the crime.*Up to a combined total of $15,000 for:
Medical Costs
- Doctor ordered medicine, equipment, supplies, and treatment
- Dental or orthodontic work
- Other costs such as physical rehabilitation, reconstructive surgery, and transportation to doctor appointments
Counseling
- Counselor must confirm that trauma resulted from the crime
- 20 sessions spread over a period of time; or any number of sessions within a 180 days from the first session; or 180 inpatient days at a mental hospital/facility, whichever amount you (the victim) need most
- Payment amount is on a set fee schedule which is similar to an insurance company scale
Burial Bills for a Deceased Victim
- Reimbursement limit is $4000
- Certain funeral items may not be covered
- Copy of death certificate is required
Lost Wages and or Lost Support
- If you have lost financial support because you or the household wage-earner has been out of work for over two weeks, then you may be eligible for lost wages or lost support payments.
- You may be eligible if you are the victim or the victim's dependent or spouse
- You may be eligible to receive up to two-thirds of the average weekly wages
- If you are a victim of Criminal Domestic Violence and your support came from the offender, you may qualify for this benefit. Your situation will be handled on an individual basis
For more information about victim rights visit the South Carolina Attorney General web site.
Source: South Carolina Attorney General
