CRIMINAL PROCEDURE Crime Victims\u27 Bill of Rights

The Act provides for crime victims’ rights in Georgia and creates substantive mechanisms for directing agencies to carry out these victim’s rights. These include the right to be present and heard in the sentencing phase of a criminal proceeding against the accused, including proceedings in juvenile court. The Act also provides that victims must be notified regarding the disposition of criminal proceedings or the status of the accused, such as release or escape, and requires the prosecuting attorney or the corrections department to provide such notice. Judges are also required to make a finding in every case as to whether restitution to the victim from the accused is appropriate. Further, it provides that the victim may refuse an interview from an agent (such as an attorney) of the accused and that such an agent must clearly identify that he represents the accused. Victims and families are also protected against contact from the accused. Finally, the Act provides for changes relating to the transportation of convicted persons to correctional institutions