Created on January 11,1988, the Attorney General’s Office of Victim Assistance (AGOVA) was established to provide statewide assistance to victims of violent crime. The journey through the justice system can be traumatic, especially for victims of violent crime. AGOVA offers victims and victims’ families a place they can turn to before and after their offender is sentenced. AGOVA provides direct victim assistance and referrals for victims through its toll-free hotline, 1-800-626-7676. Some of the services provided are listed below. Let us know if there is other information you would like to see on our website.
Services this Office Provides
AGOVA offers victims and victims’ families a place they can turn to for answers before and after an offender is sentenced. Our goal is to help victims understand the judicial process, advocate for their rights and maintain contact so they can be kept informed and updated on all matters pertaining to the case that has impacted their lives. Understanding your rights as a victim of crime is important for you and your family.
Crime Victim Information
Please ensure AGOVA has your current address. You may not be notified of the sex offender’s release if you do not fill out this form. Alabama law requires the AGOVA to notify victims of their criminal sex offender’s release from prison. Specifically, this section provides:
The AGOVA shall notify the victims who file a written request to be notified of a criminal sex offender’s pending release. This request may be made on a form provided by the AGOVA. The AGOVA shall send a notice to the address provided on the form notifying the victim that the criminal sex offender will be released and the location at which the criminal sex offender will reside. It shall be the responsibility of the victim to inform the AGOVA if the victim’s address or any other pertinent information on the notice request changes. If the notice sent by the AGOVA is returned as undeliverable, no further action shall be required of the AGOVA.
The AGOVA can be reached by calling 1-800-626-7676 or 334-242-7342.
Please complete the online form below:
Pardon and Parole Protests
The Alabama Board of Pardon and Paroles notifies victims by certified mail (with a copy to AGOVA) 30 days before an inmate convicted of a violent crime is scheduled to come up for parole or pardon consideration. AGOVA makes a written protest against early release of the defendant on behalf of the victim. In those cases where the victims choose to be present at pardon or parole hearings, AGOVA assists the victims by explaining the process and describing the environment of the hearing. An AGOVA representative will be present to protest at parole hearings.
