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The South Carolina Constitution guarantees the following rights to crime victims:

1. Be treated with fairness, respect and dignity, and to be free from intimidation, harassment or abuse throughout the criminal and juvenile justice process, and to be informed of the victim’s constitutional rights, provided by statute;

2. Be reasonably informed when the accused or convicted person is arrested, released from custody or has escaped;

3. Be informed of and present at any criminal proceedings which are dispositive of the charges where the defendant has the right to be present;

4. Be informed of and allowed to submit wither a written or oral statement at all hearings affecting bond or bail;

5. Be heard at any proceeding involving post-arrest release decision, a plea or sentencing;

6. Be reasonably protected from the accused or persons acting on his behalf throughout the criminal justice process;

7. Confer with prosecution, after the crime against the victim has been changed, before the trial or before and disposition and informed of the disposition;

8. Have reasonable access after the conclusion of the criminal investigation to all documents relating to the crime against the victim before the trial;

9. Receive prompt and full restitution from the person or persons convicted of the criminal conduct that caused the victim’s loss or injury including both adult and juvenile offenders;

10. Be informed of any proceeding when any post-conviction action is being considered, and be present at any post-conviction hearing involving a post-conviction release decision;

11. A reasonable disposition and prompt and final conclusion of the case;

12. Have all rules governing criminal procedure and the admissibility of evidence in all criminal proceedings protecting victim’ rights and have these rules subject amendment or repeal by the legislature to ensure protection of these rights.

South Carolina Law States That Victims Have The Following Responsibilities:

1. Provide each agency involved with your case your current legal name, mailing address, and telephone numbers;

2. In order to receive restitution, provide full details of financial impact in a timely manner;

3. Notify the appropriate authority if you desire to be present for hearings;

4. Submit a written Victim Impact Statement (if you desire your written statement to be considered) in a timely manner;

5. Notify the appropriate authority if you wish to make an oral Victim Impact Statement to the Court.

You may be eligible for Victim’s Compensation benefits if:

1. The crime caused physical injury, psychic trauma, or death of the victim(s);

2. The crime was reported to the appropriate law enforcement authority within 48 hours;

3. A claim is filed within 180 days of the crime;

4. You cooperate with all enforcement agencies and the Division of Victim Assistance;

5. You were not engaged in any illegal activity at the time of the crime;