The Victim Services Division of the District Attorney's Office provides victims with support before, during, and after their cases are processed through the judicial system. It is our number one priority to provide personal assistance to all individuals who are victims of crime. The unit assists victims in filing the proper forms for the recovery of restitution and offers support during the judicial process.

In January of 1996, the State of Alabama enacted the Crime Victims' Bill of Rights. This legislation (Article 3, Sections 15-23-60 through 15-23-84 of the Code of Alabama ) , enumerates and defines certain rights granted to victims of crime in Alabama .

Within 72 hours after a victim files a crime report, the assisting local law enforcement agency shall provide the victim with the following:

The restitution process begins at the time of Grand Jury. As a victim, you will be asked to complete a restitution affidavit which lists your losses, including travel, missed work, property, medical, and other expenses resulting from the crime. If you do not complete the affidavit during Grand Jury proceedings, the Victim Services Unit will contact you by telephone or letter to obtain your information. It is very important to respond, since restitution cannot be ordered without this affidavit on file.

To assist the court in ordering restitution, keep your receipts, estimates, and bills for damages or injuries suffered in connection with the crime. This information, along with your name, address, and telephone number(s) is recorded on the restitution affidavit. Bring a copy of all paperwork when you appear at the Grand Jury proceeding. If you change your address or telephone number, please contact the Victim Services Unit immediately to update your affidavit.

If convicted of a crime, a defendant may be ordered to pay restitution in an amount set by the judge. Generally, restitution is ordered after a hearing during the sentencing proceeding. It may be necessary for the victim to testify at the hearing.

As a victim of a crime, check with your insurance company to see if your policy will cover the expenses of your injury and/or property loss. If your insurance covers all or part of these losses, inform your insurance company that it has a right to file a restitution affidavit for its losses. However, you cannot file a restitution affidavit for losses that are paid to you by your insurance company. You can only claim the amount of the deductible and other out-of-pocket expenses not reimbursed by insurance.

If placed on probation, the defendant must follow the standards of conduct specified by the judge and be supervised by a probation officer. In addition to any restitution ordered, the defendant is generally required to pay other court ordered monies and as well as a supervision fee.

If sent to jail or prison, the defendant probably will not be able to pay restitution until released. However, you may have civil remedies available and may wish to consult an attorney concerning this possibility.

This is financial assistance available to victims of violent crimes where a personal injury has occurred. For more information, contact the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission at 100 North Union Street, Suite 778 , Montgomery AL 36104 , (334) 242-4007 or (800) 541-9388. An application must be filed with the Commission within one year of the crime.

If any of your property is held as evidence, you must contact the assigned Assistance District Attorney to sign a release before the property can be returned to you. It is usually necessary to hold the property until after a trial.