Victim Assistance Program

Great strides are being made to help balance the scales of justice for victims of crime. Effective December 1, 1998, North Carolina law mandates that certain basic rights be afforded to crime victims in this state.

You have the right to:

•Be informed of and be present at certain court proceedings of the accused.

•Be heard at the sentencing of the accused as prescribed by law or deemed appropriate by the court

•Receive restitution in certain cases

•Be given information about the crime, how the criminal justice system works, the rights of victims and the availability of services for victims.

•Be given information about the conviction or final disposition and sentence of the accused.

•Confer with the prosecution and provide a victim impact statement

•Be notified of parole, commutation or pardon.

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Victim Witness Program

Each county in the 29-B Prosecutorial District has a designated Victim Witness Assistant whose responsibility it is to keep all interested parties abreast of the case – from arrest to final disposition.

A Victim Witness Assistant’s duties consist of providing essential information to victims pertaining to their court cases. They also serve as liaison between the victim and the prosecutor and keep victims notified of all court dates and proceedings.

Additional services provided by the Victim Assistance Program:

•Information as to the status and progress of your case;

•Explanation of and orientation to the criminal justice process;

•Referrals to social service agencies and other groups and individuals who can help you with personal problems resulting from the crime;

•Placement of witnesses on telephone standby for court appearances when possible, if requested;

•Assistance in the preparation of the victim impact statement and Crime Victim’s Compensation application from the North Carolina Crime Control and Public Safety Department (1-800-826-6200), and other related matters.

To receive additional information or learn more about our Victim Assistance Program, please contact any of our offices at the numbers listed below:

Henderson County
Daphne Carland, Victim Witness Assistant: (828) 697-4855

Transylvania County & Polk County
Sandra Settle, Victim Witness Assistant: (828) 884-3155

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Additional support resources for victims of domestic violence:

Henderson County Mainstay 828 -693-3840
Transylvania County SAFE 828-885-7233
Polk County Steps to Hope 828-894-2340

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Additional support resources for victims of sexual assault:

Henderson County: The Healing Place, 828-692-0495
Transylvania County: SAFE, 828-885-7233
Polk County: Steps to Hope, 828-894-2340

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