Saluda Police Department’s

Victim Assistance Program

Victim Advocate LaShon Dozier

101 South Jefferson Street Saluda, SC 29138

Office 864-445-7336 Cell: 864-910-1137

ldozier@townofsaluda.gov

Being victimized can be a very traumatic experience, leaving the victim going through a wide

range of emotions and leaving them unsure of what to do next. That is why the Saluda Police

Department has a Victim Assistance Program available to all crime victims.

The Saluda Police Department’s Victim Advocate is knowledgeable and experienced in the

criminal justice system and the challenges victims of crime face. The victim advocate is here to

assist you from the onset of the crime to the conclusion in court. She can assist with information

and referrals for victim compensation, counseling, safe housing, filing for restraining orders or

orders of protection, courtroom accompaniment, keep you informed of the status of your case

and ensure that restitution is ordered.

First of all, please remember that as a victim of a crime, you have rights and responsibilities too.

The SC Victim Bill of Rights Article I Section 24:

- Be treated with fairness, respect, and dignity.

-Be free from intimidation or harm throughout the criminal and juvenile justice process

-Be informed about victims’ rights

-Be reasonably informed about criminal proceedings

-Be informed if the accused is arrested, released, or escapes.

-Confer with 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, plea, or sentencing.

-Have reasonable access to documents relating to the crime before trial.

-Receive restitution from the adult or juvenile offenders; and

-A reasonable, prompt and final conclusion of the case.

Victim’s Responsibilities Section of Law 16-3-1515

-Provide law enforcement with accurate, honest and complete information about the

crime.

-Must provided law enforcement with legal name, current address and telephone numbers

-If seeking restitution for out of pocket expense incurred as a result of the crime, must

provide full detail of financial impact in a timely manner.

-Submit the victim’s impact statement in a timely manner, if it is to be considered in court.

-Notify law enforcement of your desire to attend any court proceedings.

-Contact law enforcement right away if you are being threatened or harassed by the

suspect in the case or any third party.

-Cooperate fully with law enforcement and other agencies at all stages of the investigation

and prosecution of the case.