Victim Services

• Picking up the Pieces - (Victim Services)

• Chester County Victim Assistance Brochure

• Chester County Victim Assistance Posters

• Victim Assistance Newsletters

• South Carolina Crime Victims’ Rights:

  Victims’ Rights

  “To preserve and protect victims’ rights to justice and due process regardless of race, sex, age, religion, or economic status, victims of crime have the right to:”

  -be treated with fairness, respect and dignity;
  -be free from intimidation or harm throughout the criminal and juvenile justice process; -be informed about victim’s rights;
  -be reasonably informed about criminal proceedings;
  -be informed if the accused is arrested, released, or escapes;
  -confer with the prosecution before the case is heard in court;
  -be present at criminal proceedings where the accused has the right to be present;
  -be heard at proceedings affecting bond, bail, release, pleas or sentencing;
  -have reasonable access to documents relating to the crime before trial;
  -receive restitution from the adult or juvenile offenders;
  -a reasonable, prompt and final conclusion of the case;

  The penalty for violating the Victims’ Bill of Rights is:

  - Writ of mandamus, issued by Supreme Court or circuit court to require compliance - A willful failure to comply with a writ of mandamus is punishable as contempt.

- Excerpted from the Constitution of South Carolina, Article 1, Section 24. (This is a condensed reference and is not intended to substitute for the actual law)

Volunteers

In an effort to assist the crime victims and aid them in picking up the pieces after their victimization, the Chester County Sheriff’s Office often times will seek unpaid qualified volunteers for the Victim Assistance Program. Please note, an application and a background check will be required. In addition, all applicants will be carefully screened and/or interviewed to ensure they are qualified to volunteer for the program.

If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering your services, please contact the Victim Advocate for additional information and instructions.

Thank you for your willingness to be a part of our program and help those who are hurting.

Contact Victim Services

Sgt. Diane Watson - Victim Advocate
Cell - (803) 519-6305 || Email: dwatson@chesterso.com

Chester County Sheriff’s Office
2740 Dawson Drive, Chester, SC 29706
(803) 581-5131 - www.chesterscsheriff.com

Please Note: Phone calls and emails directed to the program will be responded to as quickly as possible or as time allows. In the case of an emergency, please dial 911. Thank you.