By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
An estimated 8,000 criminal and traffic cases are handled by the Bowling Green Prosecutor’s Office each year. Most of these cases have victims.
In order to provide more victim advocacy in the municipal court, Bowling Green City Council heard the first reading Monday of legislation creating the position of victim advocate for the court.
The Bowling Green Municipal Court for years has been providing such services through the city prosecutor’s office – specifically notifying the victims of court proceedings and taking the victims’ wishes into account, explained City Attorney Hunter Brown, who formerly held the role of city prosecuting attorney.
But new victim advocacy roles have become more encompassing with the passage of state legislation.
So the City Prosecutor’s Office, led by Alyssa Blackburn, is requesting a Victim Advocate position be created to comply with the Ohio Constitution, Ohio Statues, and House Bill 343.
Earlier this year, House Bill 343 went into effect which provides victims of crime certain constitutional rights. The new law imposes certain duties on prosecutor’s offices around the state, including:
- Requiring all victims fill out forms provided by the Attorney General.
- Notifying victims in every case of all hearings and arraignments.
- Discussing the case with victims.
- Helping victims throughout the process.
Victims also have the constitutional right to request restitution.
Theoretically, anyone who has been a victim of a crime qualifies for advocate services, Brown said. That could include the victims of domestic violence, assault, or even a fender bender car crash.
Because of the expanded role for victim advocates, it would be very difficult for a city prosecuting attorney to perform the role.
“It’s helpful to have someone who can devote full time to it,” Brown said.
The victim advocate will walk the victims through the entire process and help to manage the necessary paperwork for restitution, conduct interviews, and do other tasks mandatory under Ohio law.
Additionally, victims now have the right to have a victim’s advocate present for all court proceedings.
This position will provide guidance to victims on how the court system works, as well as additional resources available to them outside the court system, such as counseling services or available housing in domestic violence situations.
City Council will hear two more readings of this ordinance before voting on the issue.
