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. In Pickens, you should contact the Pickens County Detention Center and the arresting agency.

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.

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.

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.

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 Solicitor’s Office are processed by the date the warrant is received in our office. Most cases are handled within 6 to 12 months.

Contact the local South Carolina Department of Probation and Parole office.

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 elevate 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.

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 spent 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.

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.

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.

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 need to ask a Magistrate about obtaining a Restraining Order. In Greenville, the paperwork needed to file an Order of Protection must be picked up at the Greenville County Courthouse in the Clerk’s Office. Any female victim must take their paperwork to Legal Services for help in filing for an Order of Protection. In Pickens, Orders of Protection are handled by the Pickens Sheriff's office victim advocate. Please contact Safe Harbor, the domestic violence shelter, if you have further questions.

There is two-hour parking behind the Greenville County Courthouse. You can get a ticket from a victim advocate that will allow you to park for free that day at the Bi-Lo Center parking garage. In Pickens, parking is available around the courthouse.