VICTIM ADVOCACY & VICTIMS’ RIGHTS SERVICES
It is the mission of County Attorney, Martin Hatfield and the Pulaski County Attorney's Office to provide the citizens of Pulaski County and safe place to live and work. In an effort to advance this mission, our office now employs two full time Victim Advocates to aid those individuals who have been victims of crime within Pulaski County. It is our belief that victims of crime have the right to be treated with respect and compassion, to be informed and involved in the criminal justice process, to be protected from harm and intimidation, and to be provided with the resources necessary to regain some of the control they lost when victimized.
The Pulaski County Attorney's Office is committed to treating victims of crime with fairness, dignity, respect, and compassion throughout the criminal justice process. Our Victim Advocacy Program works to ensure that victims are informed of their rights, supported throughout court proceedings, and connected with available resources and services.
The office provides assistance in a variety of areas, including:
Explaining courtroom procedures and the criminal justice process;
Providing courtroom orientation and preparation for hearings;
Notifying victims of scheduled court proceedings and changes in court dates;
Keeping victims informed regarding the status of criminal cases;
Serving as a liaison between victims and prosecutors assigned to the case;
Communicating victims’ concerns, opinions, and safety issues to prosecutors;
Accompanying and supporting victims during court appearances;
Providing a private and secure waiting area prior to court proceedings when available;
Assisting victims with the preparation of Victim Impact Statements;
Helping victims seek restitution and information regarding Crime Victim Compensation benefits;
Assisting with the return of personal property when appropriate;
Providing referrals for counseling, shelters, therapy, safety planning, and other community resources;
Coordinating with law enforcement, probation officers, courts, and other criminal justice agencies on behalf of victims; and
Assisting victims who may need employer intervention related to court appearances or victim services.
Victims’ Rights Under Marsy’s Law
In 2020, Kentucky voters approved the Kentucky Crime Victims Bill of Rights, commonly known as “Marsy’s Law,” which amended the Kentucky Constitution to provide additional protections and constitutional rights to crime victims.
Under Marsy’s Law, victims have important constitutional rights, including the right to:
Be treated with fairness, dignity, respect, and sensitivity;
Be reasonably protected from the accused and those acting on behalf of the accused;
Receive notice of court proceedings and case developments;
Be present and heard at court proceedings involving release, plea agreements, sentencing, and parole;
Confer with the prosecutor regarding the case;
Receive timely restitution as provided by law;
Proceedings free from unreasonable delay; and
Be informed of these constitutional rights throughout the criminal justice process.
Victims who wish to exercise their rights under Marsy’s Law should notify the prosecutor’s office and ensure current contact information is maintained with the court and victim advocate. Certain rights, including notification of hearings and the opportunity to be heard, may require victims to request participation or enrollment in notification systems.
Additional information regarding victims’ rights in Kentucky can be found through the Kentucky Attorney General's Office Victim Rights Resources.