Victim Resources

     The restitution process begins at the time the warrant is executed.  As a victim, you will be asked to complete a Restitution Affidavit which lists your losses, including travel, missed work, property, medical, and other expenses resulting from the crime.  If you do not complete the affidavit you will receive notification from the District Attorney’s Office requesting that you do so.  It is very important to respond, since restitution cannot be ordered without this affidavit on file. If you need to file a Restitution Affidavit, you may obtain one at the Shelby Co. District Attorney’s Office or download/print a copy by clicking on our Restitution Recovery division and scrolling to the bottom of the page.

To assist the court in ordering restitution, keep your receipts, estimates, and bills for damages or injuries suffered in connection with the crime.  This information, along with your name, address, and telephone number(s) is recorded on the Restitution Affidavit.  Bring a copy of all paperwork when you appear at the court proceeding.  If you change your address or telephone number, please contact the Victim Services Unit immediately to update your directory information.

 If convicted of a crime, a defendant may be ordered to pay restitution in an amount set by the judge.  Generally, restitution is ordered after a hearing during the sentencing proceeding.  It may be necessary for the victim to testify at the hearing.

As a victim of a crime, check with your insurance company to see if your policy will cover the expenses of your injury and/or property loss.  If your insurance covers all or part of these losses, inform your insurance company that it has a right to file a restitution statement for its losses.  However, you cannot file a restitution affidavit for losses that are paid to you by your insurance company.  You can only claim the amount of the deductible and other out-of-pocket expenses not reimbursed by insurance.

     If placed on probation, the defendant must follow the standards of conduct specified by the judge and be supervised by a probation officer.  In addition to any restitution ordered, the defendant is generally required to pay other court ordered monies as well as a supervision fee.

  If sent to jail or prison, the defendant probably will not be able to pay restitution until released.  However, you may have civil remedies available and may wish to consult an attorney concerning this possibility.

This is financial assistance available to victims of violent crimes where a personal injury has occurred.  For more information, contact the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission at 100 North Union Street, Suite 778, Montgomery AL 36104, (334) 242-4007 or (800) 541-9388.   An application must be filed with the Commission within one year of the crime.

If any of your property is held as evidence, you must contact the assigned Assistance District Attorney to sign a release before the property can be returned to you.  It is usually necessary to hold the property until after a trial.

Our office is unable to engage in direct communication with defendants or individuals representing defendants. All communication pertaining to a case must be conducted through the defendant's attorney of record.

Our office does not accept reports directly. If you have been involved in an incident, we kindly request that you report it to your local police department or the SCSO (Sheriff's Office).

Defendants who require information regarding their court date or have missed their scheduled court appearance are advised to contact the Clerk's Office for assistance.

Our office does not handle cases involving PFAs. In the event of a PFA violation, please report it promptly to law enforcement for appropriate action.

 If you are a victim involved in a case, a victim's services letter will be sent to you via mail and the VSO (Victim Services Officer) will be your point of contact through the DA's Office. Please keep the VSO notified of any changes in phone number or address so the Office will be able to stay in contact with you.

If a police department has indicated that your concern falls under civil jurisdiction, we regretfully inform you that we cannot create charges where none exist. Please understand that our office is bound by the scope of criminal law.

Our prosecutors maintain demanding schedules, frequently attending court proceedings. Kindly allow them reasonable time to return your call after leaving a voicemail.

 Our office is unable to provide legal advice or offer interpretations of laws. For guidance, you may contact the police/SCSO, consult a private attorney, or refer to the Alabama Criminal Code through appropriate resources, such as online searches.

Our office does not handle cases related to divorces, child support, child custody, estates/wills, evictions, business contracts, or real estate matters.

 To engage in personal discussions with a member of our office, we kindly request that you call and schedule an appointment. Please be aware that we cannot guarantee the physical presence of specific individuals at any given time.