Smyth County, Virginia
MESSAGE FROM YOUR COMMONWEALTH'S ATTORNEY
If you are the victim of a crime or a witness to a crime, you have already been through a
difficult experience. However, your participation in the criminal justice system is essential; there can be no justice without your
help...
As Commonwealth's Attorney for the citizens of Smyth County, I want to do everything I can to make your experience with the
courts as smooth and effective as possible.
The Commonwealth's Attorney's Office has established a Victim/Witness Program to assist
you as your case progresses through the system. The staff of this Program will help you understand your rights, keep you informed of the
status of your case, and make you aware of resources available to you.
Please contact Susan
B. Williams, Victim-Witness Director or Janet Grissett, Assistant Victim- Witness Director,
with any questions about your case.
Very Truly Yours,
Roy F. Evans, Jr.
Commonwealth's Attorney
Susan B. Williams, Victim Witness Director
The Smyth County Victim Witness Program is here to help you. Roy F.
Evans, Jr., Smyth County Commonwealth’s Attorney, established the program through state and federal grants in 1997.
Susan
Williams, the director, provides information on services to crime victims and witnesses.
The Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act recognizes
that anyone suffering physical, emotional or financial harm as a direct result of a felony or certain misdemeanor crimes, are victims in need
of assistance. This also includes spouses, children, parents and guardians of certain victims.
The Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act
(usually referred to as the Victims’ Bill of Rights) was made law by the Virginia General Assembly in 1995. The purpose of the law is to
ensure that victims and witnesses of crime: are treated with dignity, respect, and sensitivity and that their privacy is protected where the
law allows; are informed of their rights; have opportunities to make the courts aware of the full impact of the crime; receive authorized
services; have the opportunity to be heard at critical stages of the criminal justice process.
The law provides several rights: Victims
have the right to remain in the courtroom during trial and during all hearings which the defendant may attend, unless the judge has determined
that the victim is a material witness; when practicable, prosecutors must give victims, or any adults chosen by a victim under the age of
eighteen, advance notice of judicial proceedings (such as bail or bond hearings, preliminary hearings and trial dates.)
Victims must
be informed of financial assistance and social services available , including crime victims’ compensation (Criminal Injuries Compensation
Fund).
In some cases, victims may present a Victim Impact Statement which explains to the judge how the crime(s) affected them.
Defendants convicted of certain property crimes may be ordered to make restitution for property damages or loss or actual medical expenses
incurred by the victim.
If requested in writing, Sheriffs, jail superintendents and the Department of Corrections must notify victims,
or person designated in writing by the victims of the release, transfer, escape or change of name of a prisoner, to certain crime victims.
How you can help
The Victim Witness Program needs the support of the community in order to continue to
provide services to victims of violent crime. Listed below are ways in which you may want to assist:
•Volunteers
Volunteers are an important component of the program and are constantly in demand. Volunteers must meet professional standards, pass a
background check, and be willing to share a valuable resource with us: their time.
•Internships
If you
are a high school senior or a college student, an internship at the Smyth County Victim Witness Program can provide you with hands-on
training in the criminal justice system, specifically working with crime victims.
Please contact the Victim/Witness Program Coordinator:
Susan B. Williams, Victim Witness Director
Victim
Witness Program
Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney
109 W. Main St., Room 124
Marion, VA 24354
Phone: 276-782-4061
Email: victim.witness@smythcounty.org
OR
Janet Grissett, Assistant Victim Witness Director
Victim Witness Program
Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney
109 W. Main St., Room 124
Marion, VA 24354
Phone: 276-782-4061
Email:
jgrissett@smythcounty.org
•Brochure for Smyth County
Victim/Witness Program
•Help
for Crime Victims --Criminal Injuries Compensation Signed
•Informational
Guide for Witnesses of Crime
•Summary
of Virginia's Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act
•What
You Should Know About Protective Orders
•Protective
Orders: Domestic Violence
•Protective
Orders: Stalking
•Informational
Guide for Domestic Violence Victims in Virginia
•Stalking
- A Guide for Victims
•Going
To Court: An Activity Book for Children
•Sex
Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry Guidelines
•Family
Resource Center, Inc.-Counseling Support
•Resource
Guide for Addiction Services
•Hope Card Program
•Smyth County Sheriff's Office
•Chilhowie Police Department
•Marion
Police Department
•Saltville Police Department
•TRIAD
•Virginia Courts Information
•Virginia
Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund
•Virginia Department of Corrections
(inmate locator)
•Virginia Department of Corrections Victim Services
•Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services
•Virginal
Judicial System
•Virginia Office of the Attorney General
•Virginia
Sex Offender Registry
•Virginia State Police
•Virginia
Victim Assistance Directory
•Virginians Against Domestic Violence
•Virginians
Aligned Against Sexual Assault
•Identity Theft
Resource Center
•Internet Fraud Complaint Center
•National
Center for Victims of Crime
•National Criminal Justice Reference Service
•National
Fraud Information Center
•Stalking Resource Center
•U.S.
Department of Justice-Office for Victims of Crime (OVC)
Lawyer Referral Services
•National
Crime Victim Bar Association
Phone: 703-276-2880
•Virginia Law Referral Service
Phone: 800-552-7977
Provide on request information on any significant developments in the investigation and prosecution of the case.
•Provide
information which explains steps in the criminal justice system and details victims' rights.
•Inform of restitution and monitor
payments.
•Assistance in protection of victims and witnesses from harm and threats of harm arising our of their cooperation
with the law enforcement and prosecution of the case.
•Assist in the return of property.
•Notify victims and witnesses
of continuances and cancellations.
•Provide information concerning final disposition of cases and negotiations on plea
agreements
•Provide liaison services between claimants and the Division of Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund.
•Provide
information on financial assistance available.
•Provide information on social services available and make referrals to
appropriate agencies.
•Provide emergency assistance, such as food, shelter/referrals for these services.
•Provide
employer intercession.
•Provide separate waiting areas during court procedures.
•24-hour on call for victims, law
enforcement and witnesses.
•Assist in the preparation of victim impact statements.
•Provide public awareness
presentations to schools and community groups/basic training and in-service.
•Provide crisis intervention and short-term
counseling.
•Provide courtroom tours, accompaniment and support.
•Provide hospital accompaniment and support