MARION COUNTY, SC

The Victim Rights Bill affords victims of certain crimes the right to be present during the criminal justice proceedings, including bond hearings and sentencing. The Victim Advocates are required by law to attempt to contact victims to determine whether they wish to attend the proceedings. If you need to contact the Victim Advocate's Officer, you need to call the Victim Advocate’s Officer where your crime was committed.

• Marion County    843-423-8216 Option 4
• City of Marion     843-423-8616
• City of Mullins     843-464-8216 Option 4  (The Sheriff's Office provides victim services for the City of Mullins)

SHERIFF'S OFFICE VICTIM SERVICES QUICK LINK

South Carolina Victim Information and Notification (SAVIN)

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QUICK  LINKS South Carolina Governor's Office Crime Victims' Ombudsman SC Victim Information and Notification State Office of Victim Assistance

SAVIN is an automated service provided to victims of crime. SAVIN communicates with the Detention Centers  booking system in near real-time. The service transmits updated information to a data network that calls or sends e-mails to victims when an offender is being released from custody. When SAVIN calls the victim via its automated service, the automated voice will ask for a pin number to confirm the notification. If a victim does not have a PIN, they must contact a Victim Advocate to receive their PIN.  A victim must have access to a phone or a computer to receive this service. Click on SAVIN to navigate to the web site to register to be notified of an offender's release from the Detention Center.

It is the responsibility of the victim to notify Victim Services of any address or telephone number changes. This ensures notification to the victim of any hearings or the release of a defendant in a timely manner.  Please call the office or send an e-mail to the Victim Services Coordinator to update victim information.

According to the South Carolina statute, victims have the right to be present at all criminal court hearings, trials, and other proceedings concerning cases in which they are involved. If a victim wants to be present for any hearing or proceeding in their case, they must inform the police officer or a victim advocate. Please note:  It is not mandatory for a victim to attend a bond hearing. If a victim is unable to attend a hearing for any reason, the victim advocate will appear in court and speak on their behalf.   

The South Carolina statute, code section 16-3-1550(A), mandates that employers must allow victims time off from work to attend all criminal court hearings, trials and other proceedings regarding their case.  An employer cannot retaliate against, suspend, or reduce the wages and benefits of a victim. If an employer does not allow a victim time off from work to attend a criminal court hearing, please notify Victim Services so the victim advocate can intervene on behalf of the victim.

A victim cannot dismiss or drop charges against a defendant at a bond hearing. If a victim wants to dismiss or drop charges against a defendant, the procedure for doing this is processed through the Solicitor's Office. Please contact the Victims Advocate (843) 423-8216 to inquire about the proper procedure. 

State Office of Victim Assistance (SOVA) is a department of the South Carolina Governor's Office.  SOVA provides compensation to eligible victims of crime.  There are certain medical and funeral benefits that victims may be eligible to receive.  Victim Services at the Detention Center will help victims complete the application process.  Please the Victim's Advocate at (843) 423-8216 for any questions concerning the application process and/or to schedule an appointment to receive help completing the application. The SOVA application may be completed online by the victim. Click on SOVA to navigate to their web site to complete the online application  and print it.  Contact the Victim Advocate to schedule an appointment to review the application and to get copies of legal documents that SOVA requires.

The South Carolina Governor's Office has a crime victims' ombudsman.  The mission of the Office of the Crime Victims' Ombudsman is to be an impartial third party who attempts to ensure that all crime victims are served justly, equitably, and fairly by South Carolina's criminal justice organizations.  If a victim has questions or concerns about their rights, please contact their office or click on their hyperlink under Quick Links.