AGOVA - Victim Info-Snippets

Criminal Appeal Notification System

AGOVA has developed and implemented an automated Appellate Notification System to advise violent crime victims of their case status during an appeal. Because all criminal cases appealed to the Court of Criminal Appeals and the Supreme Court are handled by the Attorneys General's Office, we are able to automatically obtain information from our Criminal Appeals Division through their case tracking system. With the help of our appellate attorneys and the Victim Service Officers in each circuit, we gather pertinent victim information.

Upon learning of an appeal, we send forms to the Victim Service Officers in each circuit and ask them to locate the correct victim information for us. We then send appropriate letters to the victims and/or victim's family throughout each stage of the appellate process. This gives the victim access to pertinent information about the defendant. For instance, most victims feel after their defendant has been convicted, he will go straight to prison or is already in prison. The victim does not realize the defendant can possibly be out on appeal bond. We want victims to know that if their case is appealed, there is someone who cares and will keep them informed on the status of the appeal.

AGOVA notifies victims of violent crimes when oral arguments are to be held before the State Court of Criminal Appeals and the State Supreme Court. If the victim or victim’s family would like to attend the hearing, AGOVA staff members accompany them to assist in interpreting and explaining the proceedings. When appellate court decisions are made, AGOVA notifies victims of the decisions and advises them of any further action that will be taken by the Attorney General’s Office.

Below is a chart of the typical stages in a criminal case, including each type of appeal. As you can see, every criminal is given many opportunities to appeal their criminal conviction. AGOVA keeps up with the status of the appeal on each level, and can assist victims at any point by providing information and support.