In accordance with O.C.G.A. Chapter 17, the Georgia Crime Victim's Bill of Rights, the Cochran Police Department is posting the following information:
If you are the victim, or a family member of a victim, of one or more of the following types of crimes:
- Serious Injury by Vehicle
- Sexual Battery
- Reckless Conduct
- Burglary
- Feticide by Vehicle
- Homicide
- Homicide by Vehicle
- Assault/Battery & Feticide
- False Imprisonment
- Armed Robbery
- Sexual Exploitation of a Child
- Kidnapping
- Cruelty to Children
- Arson
- Stalking
... then you are entitled to know the following:
- It is possible that the accused may be released from custody prior to trial;
- You, as a victim, have certain rights during various stages of the criminal justice process;
- Additional information about your rights can be obtained by contacting the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council at 404-559-4949;
- You may be eligible for monetary compensation for certain out-of-pocket expenses (from the State Crime Victim's Compensation Fund) incurred as a result of your victimization;
- You may contact the HODAC's Crime Victim Assistance Helpline at 800-338-6745 for assistance or clarification of your rights;
- You must be notified by the investigating law enforcement agency, of the accused arrest; and
- You must provide the investigating law enforcement agency with you current address and phone number if you wish to be contacted.
Crime Victim's Compensation Fund
Who is eligible for Victims Compensation?
Innocent victims who have been physically injured in a violent crime. Including but not limited to victims of: Assault/Battery, Homicide, Child Abuse, Sexual Assault, Domestic/Family Violence, DUI Crash Victims, Vehicular Homicide, Hit and Run, Serious Injury by Vehicle,
Some other eligibility requirements include:
- The crime being reported to proper government authorities (i.e. law enforcement, child protective services, the courts, etc.) within 72 hours. The 72 hours may be waived for good cause shown.
- The claim must be filed within 1 year of the crime.
- Applications received 2 years after the crime cannot be considered for compensation.
- Victims of domestic violence may be eligible for loss of support.
- A parent of a child victim may be eligible for lost wages, to compensate for medical time spent off of work with the child.
- A Criminal History will be provided and analyzed on all victims 18 years and older.
Who is not eligible?
Victims of property crime; Victims who consent, provoke, or incite the crime committed against them; Victims who were participating in a criminal act; Victims who do not report the crime to law enforcement officials within 72 hours; Victims/claimants are required to exhaust funds from other sources such as health insurance, car insurance, social security, annual/sick leave pay, disability insurance, worker's compensation, unemployment compensation or funds from other government agencies
Additional information regarding the Crime Victim's Bill of Rights and the Crime Victim's Compensation Fund can be found at jcc.georgia.gov/victims-compensation