How to Get Help

If You Are A Victim

It is natural to experience a range of emotions after being victimized by crime.  You may feel shocked, embarrassed, helpless or even angry.

The Victim-Witness Assistance Program is a division of the District Attorney’s Office and is available to offer you support during the aftermath of a crime, and to guide you through the maze of the criminal justice system.

The District Attorney’s Office is required by law to provide defense attorneys (who represent the
person accused) with names, addresses and phone numbers of witnesses.  The defense attorney may contact you to discuss what you know about the case. You may choose whether or not to speak with the defense attorney. If you choose to speak with the defense attorney, you have the right to have someone from the District Attorney’s Office, or your personal attorney, present during the interview.

The media may also seek to contact you regarding some cases of serious crime. You may choose whether or not to speak with them. You can also contact the Victim-Witness Assistance Program for help with responding to the media.

If You Are A Witness

If you receive a subpoena to appear as a witness in court, you are required by law to attend. Remember, your cooperation is very important to the prosecution of the person accused of the crime. Unfortunately, court hearings are often passed (that is, postponed) for many reasons. If you receive a subpoena for Superior Court, please call the Witness Information Line at 912-652-7330, the evening prior to your scheduled court appearance. For State Court subpoenas call 912-652-7327. The recording will inform you of any changes to the schedule of hearings for the next day and could help you avoid unnecessary trips to the courthouse.

If there are special reasons you are unable to appear in court on the date you have been subpoenaed, please call the Victim-Witness Assistance Program immediately.

Jail Release Notification

PLEASE NOTE: Most accused persons are released from jail on bond prior to the disposition of a case. Victims can request to be notified when an inmate is released from the Jail (Chatham County Detention Center) by calling the Records Department at 912-652-7734. Give the name of the accused and your phone number(s).

It is your responsibility to notify the Detention Center of any change in your contact information. The Detention Center staff will not make repeated attempts to reach you. Therefore, we encourage you to call to see if the person of interest is still incarcerated.

If You Need Protection

If you are being threatened or intimidated by the offender, please contact the police officer or detective assigned to your case immediately, or call the Victim-Witness Program at 652-7329. 

Additional important numbers for your assistance are listed below. If you are calling outside of the Chatham County area, use (912) area code:
Police – Emergencies...........................................................................911
Savannah Police Dept. Non-Emergency.........................652-6500
Victim-Witness (adult offenders).........................................................652-7329
Juvenile Court Victim-Witness (juvenile offenders).............................652-6735
District Attorney..................................................................................652-7308

If your address or phone number(s) change, please notify the Victim-Witness Assistance Program to ensure that you can be contacted regarding the status of a case.