The State of Georgia’s Crime Victims Bill of Rights provides specific rights to individuals who are victims of certain crimes. These rights are protected and enforced under O.C.G.A. §17-17-1.  Your basic rights include:

(1) The right to reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of any scheduled court proceedings or any changes to such proceedings;

(2) The right to reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of the arrest, release, or escape of the accused;

(3) The right not to be excluded from any scheduled court proceedings, except as provided in this chapter or as otherwise required by law;

(4) The right to be heard at any scheduled court proceedings involving the release, plea, or sentencing of the accused;

(5) The right to file a written objection in any parole proceedings involving the accused;

(6) The right to confer with the prosecuting attorney in any criminal prosecution related to the victim;

(7) The right to restitution as provided by law;

(8) The right to proceedings free from unreasonable delay; 

(9) The right to be treated fairly and with dignity by all criminal justice agencies involved in the case; and

(10) The right to file a motion in the criminal case within 20 days of a court proceeding requesting to be heard if the victim has properly requested notification and has not given notice of said proceeding.

If you are a survivor of sexual violence, the Georgia Tech VOICE Advocates can talk with you about specific rights and options that apply to you. For confidential support, call VOICE any time 24/7/365 at 404.894.9000.

Under Georgia law O.C.G.A. §17-15-1, victims of certain crimes may be eligible for compensation through The Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program. For more information regarding eligibility requirements, expenses covered and timing, please visit their website at: http://crimevictimscomp.ga.gov/our-programs/victims-compensation/.

If you have questions regarding your rights as a victim of a crime, we encourage you to contact the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council at 404-657-1956 or visit their website at cjcc.georgia.gov. You may also contact the Georgia Tech Police Department and ask to speak with the Investigations Division Commander.