A message from Solicitor Randy E. Newman, Jr.,
The purpose of the criminal justice system is to protect society from those individuals who would commit acts against innocent citizens. Although sometimes the victim of a crime is society as a whole, in many cases, such as yours, the victim is an individual citizen whose injuries, either physical, emotional or financial, are a key component to the presentation of the case.
Because victims are so important to finding, arresting and punishing criminals in this Circuit, the Victim Services Program is here to assist those victims, who are often unaware of the procedures of court and the laws of South Carolina. The Victim Services Program is here to help you, as a victim of a crime; (1) understand the criminal justice system; (2) get relief from the courts; and (3) provide a communication system between the victim and the criminal justice system.
Law enforcement is every citizens’ responsibility and without your help, we cannot get the job done. If you, or
someone you know, is a victim of a crime, the Victim Services Program is here to help ease the transition from being a
powerless victim of crime to being an empowered advocate for law and order in our society.
ABOUT THE SIXTH CIRCUIT VICTIM SERVICES PROGRAM
Becoming a victim of a crime and going through the court system can be difficult and confusing. Victim Services Specialist can give you support, information and offer referrals.
The Sixth Circuit Solicitor’s Office provides a Victim Services Program for your benefit. The goal is to help lessen the impact of being a victim of a crime or a witness to a crime.
We are concerned with protecting your interest in regards to this matter and minimizing your inconvenience while prosecuting this case.
VICTIM’S BILL OF RIGHTS
· The right to be treated with dignity and compassion
· The right to protection from intimidation and harm
· The right to be informed concerning the criminal justice process and the status of their case
· The right to restitution and reparations
· The right to preservation of property and employment
· The right to due process in criminal court proceedings, including Victim Impact Statement
· The right to special recognition for the very young, elderly, disabled and those with special needs
SERVICES THAT ARE AVAILABLE
· Case Status Updates
· Courtroom Orientation & Accompaniment
· Employer and School Intervention
· Preparation of Victim Impact Statement
· Completion of Crime Victim Compensation
· Referrals to Counseling Agencies, Shelters and Community Assistance Programs
· Referrals to Civil and Family Courts
FREQUENTLY USED TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
Solicitor: The Prosecuting Attorney for the State. The Solicitor and assistants represent the State (people) in the prosecution of a criminal case.
Victim Services Specialist (Victim Advocate): The person with the duty to assist the crime victim(s).
Defendant: A person accused of a crime
Preliminary Hearing: An evidentiary hearing usually held before a Magistrate or Municipal Court Judge to determine if there is enough evidence to go to trial.
Guilty Plea: When a person accused of a crime confesses guilt in open court.
Nolo Contendre Plea: It is not an admission of guilt but the defendant believes the evidence to be enough to convict them. It is handled the same as a guilty plea.
Trial: An examination of issues of fact and law before a judge and/or jury. Evidence is presented to determine whether or not the defendant is guilty of committing a specific crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
Restitution: Reimbursement for actual bills resulting from medical expenses or property loss.
Probation: The release of a person convicted of a crime as an alternative to imprisonment.
Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI): A diversion program for first-time offenders that intervenes before the case goes to court.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Chester Police Department - 803-581-2677
Fax - 803-581-7645
Chester Sheriff’s Department - 803-581-5131
Fax - 803-581-5552
Fort Lawn Police Department - 803-872-4995
Fax - 803-872-4996
Great Falls Police Department - 803-482-2145
Fax - 803-482-6767
Winnsboro Public Safety - 803-635-4511
Fax - 803-635-1301
Fairfield Co. Sheriff - 803-635-4141
Fax - 803-635-3325
Lancaster Police Department - 803-283-1171
Fax - 803-286-4632
Lancaster Sheriff’s Department - 803-283-4136
Fax - 803-286-9823
SC Law Enforcement Division (SLED) - 803-737-9000
SC Highway Patrol - 803-581-8816
SC DEPT OF CORRECTIONS Victim Notification Office - 803-896-1733
Or - 1-800-835-0304
STATE OFFICE OF VICTIM ASSISTANCE (SOVA) - 1-800-220-5370
SAFE PASSAGE - 1-800-659-0977
PALMETTO CITIZENS AGAINST SEXUAL ASSAULT (PCASA) - 803-286-5232
PIEDMONT LEGAL SERVICES- 1-800-922-3853
PALMETTO LEGAL SERVICES - 1-888-799-9668
Get in touch
To schedule an appointment, please contact:
Contact Information
LINDA M. MACON, DIRECTOR
-MAIN OFFICE-
140 Main Street
Post Office Box 728
Chester, South Carolina 29706
Phone: (803) 377-1141
Fax: (803) 581-2242
Victim Services Specialists - Chester
REGENIA B. WILLIAMS
MAKENZIE DIEHL
-FAIRFIELD COUNTY OFFICE-
Post Office Box 1085
Winnsboro, South Carolina 29180
Phone: (803) 712-1735
Fax: (803) 712-1267
Victim Services Specialists – Fairfield
M. BERNICE TIMMONS
DAWN DARNER
-LANCASTER COUNTY OFFICE-
Post Office Box 607
Lancaster, South Carolina 29721
Phone: (803) 416-9367
Fax: 1-855-971-3168
Victim Services Specialists – Lancaster
MELISSA PAYNE
MADISON SHAW
YESENIA ALCANTARA