VICTIM ADVOCATE

Michelle Shugart

Advocate

mshugart@countyofunion.com

Phone:

Office: (864) 429-1673

Fax: (864) 429-1672

This location is at:

210 West Main Street

Union, SC 29379

How a Victim Advocate Can Assist You:
  • Provide emotional and moral support
  • Identify and inform victims of their rights under the law
  • Conduct on-scene crisis intervention
  • Act as a liaison between victim, police officers, investigators, and community-based agencies
  • Arrange for professional counseling and support groups
  • Provide information and referrals
  • Educate law enforcement and victims of new laws pertaining to specific victimization such as domestic violence
  • Provide applications and information to victims concerning SC Crime Victims' Compensation; explain purpose, procedures and policies, and assist in completion of forms
  • Intervene on behalf of victims with creditors, employers, etc. upon request
  • Help prepare victims for court and provide court advocacy and accompaniment
  • Provide information regarding current status of case
  •  Provide information on rights, services and procedures if a victim or witness is harassed or threatened
A Victim or Witness's Rights:
  • To a reasonable disposition and prompt and final conclusions of the case
  • To be treated with fairness, respect and dignity and to be free from intimidation, harassment, or abuse and informed of a victim's constitutional rights
  • Be reasonably informed when the accused or convicted person is arrested, released from custody, or has escaped
  • Be informed of and present at all criminal proceedings which are dispositive of the charges where the defendant has the right to be present
  • To be allowed to submit either a written or an oral statement at all hearings affecting bond or bail
  • To be heard at any proceeding involving a post-arrest, a plea, or sentencing
  • Be reasonably protected from the accused or persons acting on his behalf throughout the criminal justice process
  • To confer with the prosecution after the crime against the victim has been charged, before the trial, or before any disposition, and informed of the disposition
  • To have reasonable access after the conclusion of the criminal investigation to all documents relating to the crime against the victim before trial
  • To receive prompt and full restitution from the convicted persons
  • To be informed of any proceeding when any post-conviction action or hearing, and to be present at any hearing
A Victim or Witness's Responsibilities:
  • Provide your legal name, current mailing address, and current telephone number to the appropriate agency
  • Inform appropriate agencies of any change in your name, address, or telephone number
  • Inform the Solicitor's Office or the Court if you desire to be present for any hearing or sentencing
  • In order to receive restitution, provide full details of the financial impact of the crime committed against you in a timely manner
The SC Victim Compensation Fund

This fund may provide benefits of crime for medical expenses, counseling, and loss of earnings that are not covered by other sources.

It does not provide compensation for property loss or pain and suffering.

To determine if you qualify for the compensation fund, to receive assistance with filing application, or to find out what other financial assistance may be available, please contact the Victim Advocate at (864) 429-1673.

You may also contact the State Office of Victim Assistance at 1-800-220-5370.

Important Numbers

Safe Homes/Rape Crisis Center:

800-273-5066 or (864) 706-5818

Union County Sheriff's Office:

(864) 429-1612

Union Public Safety Department:

(864) 429-1713

Jonesville Police Department:

(864) 674-5262

Department of Social Services:

(864) 429-1660

State Office of Victim Assistance:

800-220-5370

Probation, Parole, and Pardon:

(864) 429-1645

Solicitor's Office:

(864) 429-1639

Magistrate's Office:

(864) 429-1648