All Criminal Victims

Within 72 hours after a crime report has been filed, the local law enforcement officer who assists you, must provide you:

• A list of local emergency and crisis services available.
• Information on the availability of victim’s compensation benefits, and the name, address, and telephone number of the Alabama Crime Victims’ Compensation Commission.
• The name and telephone number of the law enforcement officer and agency handling the report.  Along with the statement “If within 60 days you are not notified of an arrest in your case, you may call the telephone number of the law enforcement agency for the status of the case.”
• The procedural steps involved in criminal prosecution.
• The rights of the victims, authorized by the Alabama Constitution, including a form to invoke these rights.
• The existence and eligibility requirements of restitution and compensation.
• A recommended procedure if the victim is threatened or intimidated.
• The name and telephone number of the office of the prosecuting attorney.
• The victim may request the return of his/her property that was taken during the criminal investigation, or that was admitted into evidence once prosecution is finished. (although this would be up to the District Attorney’s Office)
  

Sexual Assault Victims

The Sexual Assault Survivor’s Bill of Rights applies to any victim of sexual assault. The contents of this Bill of Rights are prescribed in Section 15-23-121, Ala. Code.

• You are entitled to confidential support from a crisis counselor. Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or visit their website at www.rainn.org. For direct information from a service provider in our area, contact the Alabama Coalition Against Rape at 334-264-0123 or visit their website at www.alabamacoalitionagainstrape.org
• You may apply for Alabama Crime Victims Compensation to assist with any expenses incurred as a result of the crime. For application information and qualifying expenses that may be covered, please visit www.acvcc.alabama.gov or call 1-800-541-9388
• You may qualify for an order of protection from abuse. Please visit your sexual assault provider or county Circuit Clerk for information regarding protection from abuse orders.
• You have the right to have a sexual assault evidence kit collected and tested, regardless of whether you report the assault to law enforcement.
• You cannot be prevented from nor charged for receiving a sexual assault medical forensic evaluation. (*A healthcare provider may bill a health insurer for providing a medical forensic examination).
• You have the right to have a sexual assault evidence collection kit preserved by law enforcement agencies for at least 20 years or until you reach 40 years of age if you were a minor when the assault occurred.
• Upon request, you have the right to be informed by the investigating law enforcement agency of test results from the sexual assault evidence kit. This includes a DNA profile match or other information collected as part of a medical forensic examination if the disclosure would not impede or compromise an ongoing law enforcement investigation.
• Upon written request, you have the right to be informed of policies governing the collection and preservation of a sexual assault evidence kit.
• Before destruction or disposal of the kit, and upon written request, you have the right to be notified 60 days prior of such destruction or disposal.
• The kit may be preserved for an additional 20 years upon written request.

Additional Resources