Victim Services
Below is information and forms to help victims navigate the criminal justice system, including their constitutional rights, victim impact statement forms and injury compensation applications.
Statewide Resources
Criminal Injuries Compensation
If you or someone you know is an innocent victim of a violent crime committed in the State of Tennessee, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund may be a financial resource for you.
TN Voices for Victims
Tennessee Voices For Victims (TVFV) works on behalf of victims of crime in Tennessee. We are a central agency that enables crime victims across the state to network with one another and journey toward healing.
Offender Lookup
VINE is the nation’s leading victim notification network. It allows survivors, victims of crime, and other concerned citizens to access timely and reliable information about offenders or criminal cases in U.S. jails and prisons.
TN Domestic Violence Hotline
The Statewide Domestic Violence Helpline is a referral and counseling helpline for victims of domestic violence. Counselors are available 24/7 to offer referrals and supportive listening, and help with safety planning.
If you have been identified as a victim of a crime as defined by statute, by virtue, you have certain rights
as provided by Article 1, Section 35 of the Constitution of Tennessee.
Helpful Terms
Appeal – Convicted defendants have a right to appeal their convictions and sentences to higher courts. These courts examine the record made of the trial proceedings to determine if reversible error has occurred. If a higher court finds that serious errors occurred in the trial proceedings, it may remand the case for a new trial or even dismiss the charges. Although most appeals are unsuccessful, the process is often very lengthy. Appeals are handled by the State Attorney General’s Office.
Arraignment – The first scheduled appearance by the defendant in Criminal or Circuit Court. The indictment returned by the grand jury is read and the defendant is given a copy. Arrangements are made for an attorney for the defendant and a trial date may be set. Victim’s appearance is not necessary. (Contact the Criminal/Circuit Clerk for times and dates)
Bail – An amount paid or pledged by the defendant to make sure he or she will appear in court.
Grand Jury – An independent group of private citizens who listen to information about the crime in order to decide whether the case should go to trial. Victim’s appearance required only if subpoenaed or requested. (Contact the Criminal/Circuit Clerk for times and dates)
Indictment – If the grand jurors decide that a case as met probable cause, they “return” an indictment or presentment charging the defendant with the crimes(s) committed.
Parole – The conditional release of a person from prison before the end of his or her sentence. If the person violates the conditions of his or her release, that person may be returned to prison. Involved parties may request to be notified by the Board of Parole of hearing dates and decisions prior to an individual’s release.
Other Release Status – Contact the Department of Correction to request notification on other releases i.e. escape, sentence expiration, work release.
Plea Agreement – An agreed disposition of a case. This is sometimes inaccurately referred to as “plea bargaining”. Most defendants plead guilty. A defendant may agree to plead guilty to the crime(s) charged or to a lesser offense. Once a defendant has agreed to plead guilty, it is the responsibility of the District Attorney’s Office and the defendant’s attorney to reach an agreement regarding the offenses and manner of service. This agreement is then presented to the judge who may accept or reject the plea or set the case for a sentencing hearing if there was no agreement as to the manner of service. Although a victim will not make the final decision as to what sentence is given, the District Attorney’s Office in interested in his or her view point.
Preliminary Hearing – A hearing, usually in General Sessions Court, to determine if these is probalbe cause to believe that a crime has been committed ant that the defendant committed it. If the judge determines that probable cause has been met, the case will be “bound over” to the grand jury. The victim’s appearance is required only if subpoenaed or requested. Even though you are not required to be present, you may come if you wish. Contact the Circuit Court Clerk in you county for times and dates.
Sentencing Hearing – After a defendant’s guilty plea is accepted or he/she is found guilty after a trial, the judge hears evidence to determine the length and manner of sentence. The defendant may be sentenced to serve all or a portion of the sentence in jail or prison, or the sentence may be “suspended”, meaning the defendant is place on probation so long as he or she is compliant with the terms of probation. Contact the Criminal/Circuit Clerk for times and dates
Trial – The court proceeding in which the District Attorney, or an Assistant District Attorney, presents the case for the State, attempting to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crimes(s) as charged. The defendant may present proof to dispute the State’s claim. Usually, the defendant chooses whether a judge or a twelve person petit jury will decide the case. You should be present at the trial. If you are needed as a witness, you will be notified.
Victim’s Impact Statement – You will be given the opportunity to provide a written impact statement to be submitted by a probation officer as part of the pre-sentence report to be reviewed by the court prior to sentencing. If you wish to make an oral statement at the time of sentencing please contact the District Attorney’s Office prior to the hearing.
Warrant – A written order from a judge that a person be arrested. If you are a victim or a witness, the warrant is based on a written statement about the crime in which you were involved.
Victim’s Compensation – Tennessee law provides compensation for victims of violent crimes, or their dependents, who have suffered out-of-pocket losses due to physical injury, loss of income, or death. Contact a private attorney or the Victim Witness Coordinator in you District Attorney’s Office for additional information.
County Resources
Campbell County
Campbell County Children’s Center
The mission of the Campbell County Children’s Center is to reduce the traumatization of the child abuse victims and their families by facilitating a comprehensive multi-disciplinary team approach to detection, investigations, prosecution, and treatment of child abuse; and prevent child abuse in our communities. Visit in person at 203 Independence Lane LaFollette, TN 33776 or call us at 423-562-4190
Community Health of East Tennessee
Community Health of East Tennessee, Inc. is a local agency providing health, education, social and community services for Campbell and surrounding counties. For many people our services are “hope” for getting help where there has been despair. Visit in person at 130 Independence Lane Jacksboro, TN 37757 or call us at 423-562-1156.
24 / 7 CRISIS HOTLINE
423-562-8325
CASA of Campbell County
The mission of CASA of Campbell County is to advocate for abused and neglected children by providing them with a voice through trained volunteer advocates. These advocates ensure that each child receives the necessary services they need to be safe, cared for, and protected. Visit in person at 165 East Street, Jacksboro, TN 37757 or call us at 423-562-2700.
Claiborne County
Claiborne County Family Justice Center
1708 Church Street
Tazewell, TN 37879
office (423) 919-8012 fax (423) 919-8710
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Claiborne County Family Justice Center
The mission of the Claiborne County Family Justice Center is to relieve the burden and headache of maneuvering the criminal justice system alone. Our hope is to empower more victims to stand up and become SURVIVORS.
The Claiborne County Family Justice Center employs a multi-disciplinary team approach to combating family violence. A specialized team of professionals will focus on the needs of the victims and families to ensure their future safety. The FJC will be working continually to ensure that not need goes unmet for those seeking our assistance.
Claiborne County Children’s Center
The mission of the Campbell County Children’s Center is to reduce the traumatization of the child abuse victims and their families by facilitating a comprehensive multi-disciplinary team approach to detection, investigations, prosecution, and treatment of child abuse; and prevent child abuse in our communities. Visit in person at 203 Independence Lane LaFollette, TN 33776 or call us at 423-562-4190.
Fentress County
Avalon Center
The mission of the Avalon Center is to end power-based violence against men, women, children, in the communities we serve with the goal of achieving social justice. Visit in person at 196 10th Street, Crossville, TN or give us a call at (931) 456-0747.
CRISIS HOTLINE
1-800-641-3434
Fentress County Children’s Center
The Children’s Center of the Cumberlands is a Child Advocacy Center (CAC), which is a community-based, child-focused facility where children alleged to be victims of abuse or neglect are interviewed, receive medical exams, if necessary, therapy, and other critical services in a non-threatening and child friendly environment. Our facility provides a safe, child-friendly environment where law enforcement, child protective services, prosecution, medical and mental health professionals may share information and develop effective, coordinated strategies sensitive to the needs of each unique case and child. Visit in person at 340 Central Ave W, Jamestown, TN 38556 or give us a call at (931) 879-7290.
Scott County
Scott County Family Justice Center
The Scott County Family Justice Center is a co-location of service agencies for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, and human trafficking. Partner agencies include: Scott County Shelter Society, Children’s Center of the Cumberland’s, Legal Aid Society, Sexual Assault Services at SAI, local law enforcement and Eighth Judicial District Attorney General’s Office. All services are free and confidential. Visit in person at 641 Baker Highway Huntsville, TN 37756, or give us a call at (423) 663-6638.
Scott County’s Children’s Center
The Children’s Center of the Cumberlands is a Child Advocacy Center (CAC), which is a community-based, child-focused facility where children alleged to be victims of abuse or neglect are interviewed, receive medical exams, if necessary, therapy, and other critical services in a non-threatening and child friendly environment. Our facility provides a safe, child-friendly environment where law enforcement, child protective services, prosecution, medical and mental health professionals may share information and develop effective, coordinated strategies sensitive to the needs of each unique case and child. Visit in person at 22510 Alberta Street, Oneida, TN 37841 or give us a call at (423) 569-8900.
Union County
Union County Children’s Center
The mission of the Campbell County Children’s Center is to reduce the traumatization of the child abuse victims and their families by facilitating a comprehensive multi-disciplinary team approach to detection, investigations, prosecution, and treatment of child abuse; and prevent child abuse in our communities. Visit in person at 203 Independence Lane LaFollette, TN 33776 or call us at 423-562-4190.
