Victim's Bill of Rights

In accordance with O.C.G.A. Chapter 17, the Georgia Crime Victim’s Bill of Rights, the Newnan Police Department provides the following information:

If you are a victim, or family member of a victim, of one or more of the following types of crimes:

  • Serious Injury by Vehicle
  • Reckless Conduct
  • Feticide by Vehicle
  • Assault/Battery
  • Homicide by Vehicle
  • False Imprisonment
  • Sexual Exploitation of a Child
  • Cruelty to Children
  • Sexual Battery
  • Burglary
  • Homicide
  • Armed Robbery
  • Theft
  • Feticide
  • Kidnapping
  • Arson

You are entitled to know the following:

  1. It is possible that the accused may be released from custody prior to trial.
  2. As a victim, you have certain rights during various stages of the criminal justice process.
  3. Additional information about your rights can be obtained by contacting the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council.
  4. You are eligible for monetary compensation for certain out-of-pocket expenses (from the State’s Crime Victim’s Emergency Fund) incurred as a result of your victimization.
  5. You must be notified by the investigating law enforcement agency of the accused’s arrest.
  6. You must provide the investigating law enforcement agency with your current address and phone number if you wish to be contacted.

Georgia Victim's Compensation Act

This program assists innocent violent crime victims with out-of-pocket medical and counseling bills, funeral costs, and lost wages directly related to their victimization. Eligibility for funds is based on criteria designated by the State of Georgia. You may be eligible if you are:

  • A victim of a violent crime with physical injuries
  • A dependent spouse or child of such a victim
  • A reasonable-acting good Samaritan
  • A family violence victim
  • A DUI crash victim
  • A parent/guardian of an eligible minor
  • A guardian or estate administrator of an eligible mentally incompetent claimant
  • Any person who assumes the cost of an eligible expense of a victim, regardless of such person’s relationship to the victim or whether such person is a dependent of the victim.

You are not eligible if you are:

  • A victim who was incarcerated or was currently serving an existing sentence for a felony involving criminal injurious conduct
  • A victim that does not cooperate with law enforcement or prosecution
  • A victim that contributed to their victimization
  • A victim whose sole loss was property

Learn more by visiting Crime Victims Compensation Program website.

SERVICES PROVIDED BY VICTIM-WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The Victims Assistance Program is here to:

  • Provide moral support by providing someone with whom you may talk
  • Help if you are being intimidated, harassed or frightened
  • Inform you of the status of your case
  • Provide notice of court hearings and procedures
  • Orientation for being in a courtroom
  • Provide a companion to attend court with you and provide emotional support
  • Refer you to social service agencies and other groups and individuals who can help with personal issues resulting from the crime
  • Assist with solving problems caused by the necessity of court appearances (e.g. contact your employer if you need to miss work, etc.)
  • Inform the prosecuting attorney of your feelings about the case and any financial loss you suffered
  • Provide information on how to contact the parole board

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Studies show police can decrease the incidents and severity of family violence by making an arrest when probable cause exists. Therefore, the officer who responds to the incident will conduct an arrest when legally permissible. The decision to arrest does not lay with the victim of domestic violence, but is the decision of the officer, based on the law and our policy.

Contact the Newnan Police Department or Coweta Victim’s Assistance if you are threatened or intimidated by the offender, the offenders family, or offenders companions.

IDENTITY THEFT AND FRAUD

If you believe you are the victim of identity theft or fraud, your case will be assigned to one of our investigators. They will assist you through the necessary steps to regain control of your identity. Follow these steps to expedite this process, and to assist our investigators:

  • If your case includes fraudulent accounts, credit or debit cards, or services opened in your name, please contact the company or agency and have them send to you an affidavit of fraud. Ensure that you grant access to the fraudulent account to law enforcement. Check your bank statements for the possibility of any fraudulent accounts or charges.
  • If your account involves a fraudulent use of your Social Security Number, contact the Social Security Administer as soon as possible.
  • In case of identity theft or fraud, please contact the three credit reporting bureaus.
  1. Equifax
  2. TransUnion
  3. Experian
  • In absolutely any case involving the possible use of your identifying information, contact the Federal Trade Commission either online or by phone.

Several websites are available in which you may check your credit to ensure there are no other accounts or issues with your identifying information. You are entitled to (1) free credit report per year. Visit the Annual Credit Report website for more information.

Once your case is assigned to an investigator, they will confirm you have completed these steps. The investigator cannot assist you. It is vital that these steps are completed.

ACCIDENT/INCIDENT REPORTS

Accident or Incident Reports are available on the City of Newnan Open Record Request webpage or in-person, Monday-Friday 8:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M. at the Newnan Police Department, 1 Joseph Hannah Blvd. Newnan, GA 30263.

(Please request information 5-7 business days after the date of the accident/incident.)