Greenville County Solicitor Office

The Victim-Witness Program was established in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in 1978. Since that time it has grown to a staff of eight. A victim advocate is assigned to each assistant solicitor and works closely with him/her to ensure victims are afforded all rights to which they are entitled.

The program is set up in accordance with Guidelines written by the Victim Assistance Policy Committee. This committee established the operating standards for Solicitor-based Victim-Witness Assistance Programs to implement the Victim’s Bill of Rights which was passed by the Legislature in 1978. The Victim Rights Constitutional Amendment and Implementing Legislation was passed by the South Carolina General Assembly in 1997 and 1998. We are required by law to attempt to notify victims, should they wish to be, of all proceedings in a case.

Rights of Victims and Witnesses

The Right to Reparation
The Right to Treatment with Dignity and Compassion
The Right to Preservation of Property and Employment
The Right to Protection from Intimidation and Harm
The Right to Due Process in Criminal Court Proceedings
The Right to Knowledge of the Criminal Justice Process
The Right to Special Recognition for the Very Young, Elderly, Handicapped and Others with Special needs

What is the Role of a Victim Advocate?

When a crime occurs, the "people of the State" represented by the Solicitor or one of his assistants, prosecute the case. The Victim-Witness Advocate aids crime victims by offering many services that are confidential and free of charge.

Advocates inform victims of their rights. They act as liaisons between the victims and other agencies. They attend court hearings with victims or attend on their behalf. They inform victims of hearing dates, case updates, and defendant’s sentences. They set up pretrial conferences upon a Solicitor’s request and attend them. They attend hearings when requested to attend by the victim or their family.

During the time it takes to prepare a case for court, the Victim Advocate keeps victims informed about the case and provides help that includes:

Crime to court information
Reimbursement for medical expenses and lost wages
Victim impact statement
Preparation for court appearance
Employer contact
Emergency referrals
Counseling and follow-up
Property return assistance
Restitution

You want to be kept informed of the progress of your case
You have questions about bond hearings
You need help with medical, funeral or counseling expenses
You have fears about your involvement in the case
You have been threatened or harassed
You need the help of a social service agency or employer

Frequently Asked Questions

Versión Española

Contact Information

Greenville County

864-467-8647

Pickens County

864-898-5905

Special Programs

Kids To Court
School groups of 25 or less may come and observe the court process. Students are briefed on court procedures. The students will observe actual court cases - either a trial or guilty pleas. Seating is limited so advance notice is required.
Housewise Streetwise Program
This is a safety education program designed to teach abuse prevention and emergency procedures to third graders. The program was developed by the Duncan Chapel Elementary School, the Victim-Witness Assistance Program of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office and the Greenville County Legal Auxiliary because more and more children today are spending time alone, assuming more responsibilities for their safety and the safety of others. Housewise Streetwise is an eight hour program taught for five days by parents, teachers, and community helpers. The curriculum teaches children how to make emergency phone calls, how to react to dangerous and potentially dangerous situations; identifies community helpers, and encourages discussions about real problems through the use of films, art work, activity sheets, guest speakers, crime prevention rules and role-play.