A Victim Advocate's job is to ensure that every victim and witness of a criminal offense that occurs within the City of Fountain Inn is provided their constitutional rights as established by SC legislation S.616, known as the "Victim's Bill of Rights." They also explain, support, encourage, and consolidate resources to minimize psychological, physical, financial, and emotional effects on crime victims.
Victim’s Bill of Rights
On January 1, 1998, the Victims Bill of Rights became part of the South Carolina Constitution. The rights enumerated in the following, therefore, are constitutional rights afforded to individual crime victims:
- To be treated with fairness, respect, and dignity and free from intimidation, harassment, or abuse.
- Be reasonably informed when the accused or convicted person is arrested, released from custody, or has escaped.
- Be informed of and present at all criminal proceedings which are dispositive of the charges where the defendant has the right to be present.
- To be allowed to submit either a written or oral statement at all hearings affecting bond or bail.
- To be heard at any proceeding involving a post-arrest motion, plea, or sentencing.
- Be reasonably protected from the accused or persons acting on behalf of the accused throughout the criminal justice process.
- To confer with the prosecution before the trial or before any disposition and be informed of the disposition.
- To have reasonable access after the conclusion of the criminal investigation to all documents relating to the crime against the victim before trial.
- To receive prompt and full restitution from the convicted person or persons.
- To be informed of any post-conviction action or hearing and be present at any hearing.
- To have a reasonable disposition and prompt and final resolution of the case.
The law does not apply to commercial victims.