NASSAU COUNTY SHERIFF'S NON-EMERGENCY PHONE # 904-225-5174
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Sherriff's Office Nassau County
SHERIFF BILL LEEPERNASSAU COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Programs

Crime Prevention

Victim Advocate Services

The Victim Advocate Program at the Nassau County Sheriffโ€™s Office is part of the Criminal Investigations Division and is supervised by the division’s Detective Lieutenant. The program is staffed by a non-sworn civilian and funded by the State of Florida through Victims of Crimes Act (VOCA) grant funding.

The Victim Advocate provides critical support to victims of certain crimes investigated by both the Patrol and Investigations Divisions. This includes victims of:

  • Child physical and sexual abuse
  • DUI crashes
  • Domestic violence
  • Elder abuse
  • Survivors of homicide victims
  • Stalking
  • Robbery
  • Assault

The program helps victims understand their rights, navigate available resources, and access services such as victim compensation. Support is provided through:

  • Victim rights pamphlets
  • Phone calls
  • Letters
  • Office and home visits

A core component of the program isย personal advocacy, which includes:

  • Informing and referring victims to community services
  • Coordinating care and support
  • Accompanying victims to court proceedings
  • Conducting follow-ups to provide emotional support and monitor progress

Services Offered to Victims:

  • Case status updates
  • Information on the judicial process and victim rights
  • Referrals to community resources
  • Support and accompaniment during criminal proceedings
  • Ongoing emotional support for victims and their families
  • Assistance with filing an Injunction for Protection
  • Help filing for crime victim compensation

All services areย free, regardless of whether an arrest has been made.

For more information, contactย Victim Advocate Madrina Harris-Addisonย at (904) 222-5174 or e-mail her atย MA1558@nassauso.com

Victim Advocate Services | Nassau County Sheriff's Office

Victim Services Program โ€“ Know Your Rights

Underย Article I, Section 16(b)ย of the Florida Constitution, crime victims are guaranteed specific rights from the moment of victimization. These include:

  • The right to due process and fair treatment
  • To be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion
  • To be protected from intimidation, harassment, or abuse
  • Reasonable protection from the accused
  • Consideration of victim/family safety when setting bail or release conditions
  • Protection of confidential information
  • Prompt return of property once it's no longer needed as evidence
  • Full and timely restitution for losses resulting from the crime
  • Timely proceedings without unnecessary delays
  • To be informed of all constitutional rights and the right to consult an attorney

Additional Rights Upon Request:

  • Timely and accurate notice of all public proceedings (e.g., trial, plea, sentencing)
  • The right to attend public proceedings, even as a witness
  • Notice of release or escape of the accused
  • To be heard at key proceedings such as bond hearings, sentencing, or parole
  • To confer with the prosecuting attorney
  • To share impact statements and have them considered during sentencing
  • To receive relevant reports, including presentence investigations (except confidential parts)
  • To be informed of the offenderโ€™s conviction, sentence, location, release, or escape
  • Participation in post-conviction processes
  • Notification and participation in clemency or expungement procedures

Enforcement of Victim Rights

Article I, Section 16(c)ย of the Florida Constitution affirms that:

Victims, their attorneys, lawful representatives, or the State Attorneyโ€™s Office (on their behalf) may assert these rights in court or before any authority with jurisdiction. Courts are required to act promptly on such requests and provide a legal remedy if any right is violated. All decisions affecting victim rights must be clearly stated on the record.