§ 8-7-206 — Victim-witness coordinator

(a) There is created in each judicial district the position of victim-witness coordinator to be appointed by the district attorney general. The duties of the victim-witness coordinator shall include: (1) After the return of an indictment or presentment, advising victims of their rights under title 40, chapter 38, part 1; (2) After the return of an indictment or presentment, keeping victims and witnesses informed of court dates and actions affecting their cases, including evidentiary hearings, trial dates, and sentencing hearings as provided for in § 40-38-111 ; (3) After the return of an indictment or presentment, assisting victims and witnesses to better understand the way the criminal justice system works, including the procedure and basis for continuances of cases and the procedure involved in the plea bargaining process; (4) After the return of an indictment or presentment, assisting victims to become more involved in the processes which affect the perpetrator of the crime, such as the plea bargaining process, including presentence reports and the sentencing hearing itself; (5) Assisting in obtaining restitution to victims of crime directly from the perpetrator of the crime when possible; and (6) Assisting eligible victims in obtaining benefits from the criminal injuries compensation program. (b) There are created, in ten (10) judicial districts to be designated by the executive director of the Tennessee district attorneys general conference, the positions of assistant victim-witness coordinator.

Legislative History

Acts 1986, ch. 880, § 2; 1998, ch. 1049, § 3; 2001, ch. 47, § 1; 2006, ch. 988, § 1.