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Frequently Asked Questions
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If the defendant is able to get a bond will I be notified of his/her release from jail?
Yes, if you have given your correct information to the reporting officer stating you wanted to
be notified or if you notify the Greenville County Detention Center of your wishes.
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My home was broken into and I have to replace the items. Who will pay for them?
There is no funding available for stolen or damaged personal property. However, you can
request the Judge who sentences the defendant after he is found guilty, or pleads guilty,
to order the defendant to reimburse you for your loss. Depending on the circumstances, the
Judge may or may not require the defendant to pay restitution. You can also seek the advice
of a civil attorney to attempt to regain your losses.
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If I fail to return my Victim Impact Statement to the Victim Witness Office, will
I automatically be contacted about events in my case?
No. You must return your Victim Impact Statement to us as it is a "tool" used by our office
to let us know you are interested in your case. Many victims prefer not to be notified or are
not interested in their cases. The Victim Impact Statement is entered into your case file and
lets the Solicitor and Victim Advocate know that you need to be notified. We cannot stress enough
how important it is to return this document to our office, as without it, we will assume you are
not interested in your case.
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I have moved out of state, will I still be notified?
Yes, as long as you inform us of your new telephone number and address we will attempt to notify
all victims who have requested notification.
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How long is it going to take for my case to come to court?
There is no definite time limit because of all the variables involved. A case that is set for
trial will generally take longer due to the preparation involved. A defendant who pleads guilty
would generally go to court more quickly. Cases at the Solicitors Office are processed by the
date the warrant is received in our office. Most cases are handled within 6 to 12 months.
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The defendant on my case pled guilty and was ordered to pay me restitution. I have not
recovered any money or only received partial payment. What should I do?
Contact the local South Carolina Department of Probation and Parole office.
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I am afraid to look at the defendant but I want the Judge to know how the crime
affected me. What can I do?
Someone from the Victim Witness Office would be glad to give a hand-written letter to the
Judge or speak to the Judge on your behalf at a bond hearing or sentencing. A victim may have
to testify if a case goes to trial. However, the Solicitor and Victim Advocate will do everything
possible to eleviate your fears through conferences, trips to the courtroom, or guidance on
testifying. The victim is always welcome to bring a friend or family member for support.
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Can I bring my children to court with me?
Unless the child is a victim or witness and the Solicitor has requested they be in court, we
suggest that you arrange a baby-sitter for your time in court. Courtroom testimony has to be
recorded so there should not be any talking or movement while court is in session. During trials,
the whole day can be spend in the courtroom, so please have someone available to be outside the
courtroom to be with your child as we do not provide that service.
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Do I have to be present in court to prosecute the defendant?
The only time a victim is required to be in court is if they have been sent a Subpoena to appear.
Generally, that occurs only in trials. The victim does not have to appear at bond hearings or
guilty pleas.
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I need to find out if my stolen items have been recovered. Can you help me?
No. You need to contact the investigating officer in your case. You should be able to
get this information from the incident report filed in your case.
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My boyfriend has threatened to hurt me and he has hit me before. Can I get an Order
of Protection?
Maybe. Orders of Protection are only available if you are living with, have lived with,
married to, been married to, or had children with the person who has threatened you. If any
other person such as a casual friend, neighbor, stranger, etc. threatens you, you would need
to ask a Magistrate about obtaining a Restraining Order. The paperwork needed to file an Order
of Protection must be picked up at the Greenville County Courthouse in the Clerks Office. A
Victim Advocate is located in Greenville County Family Court who will help any male victims to
file for an Order of Protection. Any female victim must take their paperwork to Legal Services
for help in filing for an Order of Protection.
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Where do I park when I come to court?
There is two-hour parking behind the Greenville County Courthouse. When presented with a
Subpoena the Hyatt parking garage should allow you to park all day for $1.00.
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