North Carolina Victim's Rights Amendment

• The right as prescribed by law to be informed of and to be preset at court proceedings of the accused.
• The right to be heard at sentencing of the accused in a manner prescribed by law or deemed appropriate by the court.
• The right as prescribed by law to receive restitution.
• The right as prescribed by law to be given information about the crime, how the criminal justice system works, the rights of victims, and the availability of services for victims.
• The right as prescribed by law to receive information about the conviction or final disposition and sentence of the accused.
• The right as prescribed by law to receive notification of escape, release, proposed parole or pardon of the accused, or notice of a reprieve or cummutation of the accused's sentence.
• The right as prescribed by law to present your views and concerns to the Governor or agency considering any action that could result in the release of the accused, prior to such action becoming effective.
• The right as prescribed by law to confer with the prosecution.

Where Do I Get Medical Attention?

You may either contact your family physician or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. You may wish to consult your insurance provider.

Accused/Defendant's Rights

In most cases the accused has the right to have a bond set at time of arrest and the opportunity for pretrial release.

What If I am Threatened or Intimidated

Threatening a witness is a crime in North Carolina. If you receive a threat from the defendant or anyone else, call the local authorities or contact the prosecutor or the Victim/Witness Assistant at the District Attorney's Office assigned to your case immediately.

Victim's Responsibilities

Upon receiving this information, you shall indicate on a form provided by the Durham County Sheriff's Office whether you wish to receive further notice and information concerning your case. If you elect to receive notice, you are responsible for notifying the agency and the District Attorney's Office of any change of address and/or phone number.

Responsibilities of the District Attorney's Office

• Provide information concerning pre-trial procedure.
• Provide you the opportunity to talk with the prosecuting attorney about the disposition of your case.
• Notify you, if you wish, with information of court proceedings.
• Provide you a secure waiting area during court proceedings, if at all possible and practical.
• Prior to disposing of the case, off you the right to make a statement telling the sentencing judge the impact the case has had on you.
• Notify you in writing about what happened in your case within (30) days of the final proceedings.
• Forward appropriate information to the Attorney General's Office in the event the defendant appeals the verdict so the Attorney General's Office can inform you about how the appellate process works.

Victim Compensation

The Victim's Compensation Program is designed to assist victims or persons who suffer personal injury or death caused by criminal conduct. Further information can be obtained from the Division of Victim and Justice Services at 1-800-826-6200 or claim forms can be obtained from the Durham County District Attorney's Office, Victim /Witness Coordinator at 510 South Dillard Street, Durham, North Carolina, 27701.

How Do I Keep Informed of Offender Status?

SAVAN: Statewide Automated Victim Assistance and Notification

• SAVAN is a free, anonymous, computer based telephone program that provides victims of crimes with information and notification of the offender's (jail) status. 
• Pamphlets are available from the Durham County Sheriff's Office and from SAVAN providing you with instructions on how to obtain information on offenders. Toll Free at 8-877-627-2826

Due Process

The constitutional guarantee that all persons threatened with loss of life, liberty of property are entitled to notice (to be told what is happening), to have the opportunity to be heard, and to present evidence.


See above outline of the steps taken for disposition of misdemeanor and felony cases.

Links

• North Carolina SAVAN