Victim Assistance

About the Office

Created on January 11, 1988, the Attorney General's Office of Victim Assistance (AGOVA) was established to provide statewide assistance to victims of violent crime. The journey through the justice system can be traumatic, especially for victims of violent crime.

AGOVA offers victims and victims' families a place they can turn to after their offender is sentenced.

AGOVA provides direct victim assistance as well as referrals to victims through its toll-free Hotline, listed above. Some of the services provided are listed below. If you click on any of these topics, you will find some of the information our office regularly provides to victims.

Let us know if there is other information you would like to see on our website.

Victims Services Info-Snippets

Other Information

AGOVA - Crime Victims Rights

Victims Rights Guidelines

Within 72 hours after a victim files a crime report, the assisting local law enforcement officer shall provide the victim with the following:

  • the name and phone number of the officer and the agency handling your report
  • the name and phone number of the prosecuting attorney
  • the procedural steps in a criminal prosecution
  • the availability of victim's' compensation benefits
  • a listing of your rights as a victim including a form to insure you are given your rights
  • the existence and eligibility requirements of restitution and compensation
  • a recommended procedure if you are subject to threats or intimidation as a victim.

A crime victim also has a right to:

  • notification of all criminal proceedings and charges filed against the defendant, with the exception of initial appearance, and the right to be present at all proceedings; necessary information regarding the appropriate agencies from which you may request information;
  • an explanation of the pre-sentence report and the right to make a written or oral statement to the probation officer, and a right to review the pre-sentence report;
  • be notified of the time and place of any sentencing hearing and to make a written or oral statement, or present any information at a sentencing proceeding or any other proceeding as authorized by law;
  • information regarding the return of any property taken;
  • be provided the date of conviction, acquittal or dismissal of charges against the defendant and the sentence imposed;
  • refuse an interview or other communication with the defendant, his attorney or anyone acting on his behalf;
  • the status and results of any post conviction appeal be provided a waiting area separate from the defendant, his relatives and defense witnesses if available and practical;
  • submit a statement to be entered into the inmate's records that you are to be notified of release, on bond, from prison, escape, re-arrest or death of prisoner;
  • information regarding collection of restitution;
  • any release opinion by the Alabama Department of Mental Health;
  • be notified of any Pardon and Parole Board hearings and the right to be present and heard at such hearings.