The Attorney General’s Appellate Victim Notification Program
After defendants are convicted of crimes and sentenced, they can choose to appeal. When they do, the Attorney General’s Office represents the state to keep the criminals in jail or prison. The Appellate Victim Notification Program assists victims of crime during the appeals stage by helping them understand and cope with the process. It keeps victims informed and involved throughout the appellate proceedings and can also help provide referrals to other services.
What is the difference between the Vigo County Crime Victim Assistance Program and the Attorney General’s Appellate Victim Notification Program?
The county victim advocate works with victims at the trial level. The Attorney General’s program serves victims during the criminal appeal process. The office reviews each case on appeal, requests victim information from the county prosecutor’s office once an offender has filed an appeal, and notifies the victim of the appeal. A representative from the AG office also attends court proceedings on the state and federal levels on an as-needed basis.
How do I sign-up for notification?
Once an offender initiates and appeal, the Attorney General’s Victim Advocacy Section requests victim contact information from the Vigo County Prosecutor’s Office. Therefore, it is important that victims keep the Vigo County Crime Victim Assistance Program, and the Prosecutor’s Office informed of their current contact information.
Can I give a victim’s statement on appeal?
Unfortunately, no. An appellate court will examine only the trial record and sentence for legal errors. No new evidence or information may be submitted.
Can I attend the hearing?
Generally, there is no hearing on an appeal. An appeal is conducted mostly in writing. The appellate court then makes its decision by issuing a written opinion discussing and deciding the legal issues raised by the attorneys in their written briefs. In all death penalty cases, but rarely in other cases, the appellate court will hold an oral argument where the attorneys present their cases to the appellate court. While the oral argument is open to the public, only attorneys are permitted to make presentations to the court. Offenders not incarcerated at the time of the oral argument may also attend.
Online Services
Follow case summaries online. If you are unable to travel to Indianapolis the oral argument might be broadcasted by webcam. Search for your case at the time of the scheduled hearing to view the live feed.
What is the difference between the Vigo County Crime Victim Assistance Program and the Attorney General’s Appellate Victim Notification Program?
The county victim advocate works with victims at the trial level. The Attorney General’s program serves victims during the criminal appeal process. The office reviews each case on appeal, requests victim information from the county prosecutor’s office once an offender has filed an appeal, and notifies the victim of the appeal. A representative from the AG office also attends court proceedings on the state and federal levels on an as-needed basis.
How do I sign-up for notification?
Once an offender initiates and appeal, the Attorney General’s Victim Advocacy Section requests victim contact information from the Vigo County Prosecutor’s Office. Therefore, it is important that victims keep the Vigo County Crime Victim Assistance Program, and the Prosecutor’s Office informed of their current contact information.
Can I give a victim’s statement on appeal?
Unfortunately, no. An appellate court will examine only the trial record and sentence for legal errors. No new evidence or information may be submitted.
Can I attend the hearing?
Generally, there is no hearing on an appeal. An appeal is conducted mostly in writing. The appellate court then makes its decision by issuing a written opinion discussing and deciding the legal issues raised by the attorneys in their written briefs. In all death penalty cases, but rarely in other cases, the appellate court will hold an oral argument where the attorneys present their cases to the appellate court. While the oral argument is open to the public, only attorneys are permitted to make presentations to the court. Offenders not incarcerated at the time of the oral argument may also attend.
Online Services
Follow case summaries online. If you are unable to travel to Indianapolis the oral argument might be broadcasted by webcam. Search for your case at the time of the scheduled hearing to view the live feed.