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Blairsville Domestic Violence Victim Sees Justice and Credits Marsy’s Law for Georgia for Giving Her a Voice

Crystal Dawn MathesonOn January 26, 2021, Charles Jason Matheson walked into the Chatuge Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinic and shot his ex-wife eight times.

Crystal Dawn Matheson, who had previously filed a domestic violence protective order against her ex-husband in Clay County, North Carolina, suffered multiple gunshot wounds and is still physically and emotionally recovering from the murder attempt.

In Honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Marsy’s Law for Georgia Honors Victims’ Rights Advocate Derek Marchman with Champion Award

President/Founder of Marchman Consulting Derek Marchman is a decorated victims’ rights advocate with more than 30 years of supporting victims’ rights in Georgia and the nation

Georgia Victim Notification Services Provides Delivery Model for Other States

Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles PresentationFollowing Marsy’s Law for Georgia’s presentation at the State Board of Pardons and Paroles and Georgia Office of Victim Services (GOVS) Conference in May earlier this year, GOVS presented the Georgia victim services delivery model last week at the 15th Annual National Association of Victim Assistance in Corrections (NAVAC) Conference in Manchester, New Hampshire.

The Importance of the Criminal Record Responsibility Act and Why a Statewide Database is Vital to Victims’ Rights

By Melvin Hewitt, Isenberg & Hewitt, PC Partner, and Victims’ Advocate

I would like to take this opportunity to applaud Governor Brian Kemp’s support of crime victims by signing SB 441, the Criminal Record Responsibility Act (CRRA), into law on April 27, 2022 — during the middle of Crime Victims’ Rights Week (April 24-30). By passing this bill, Georgia is putting victims first in the criminal justice process.

 

Marsy’s Law for Georgia Adds Three New Members to Advisory Board

Pierce Blitch, Derek Marchman, and Sheriff Gregory Countryman join the board of established legal experts and victim advocates to elevate victims’ rights across Georgia

Brandon Hembree Provided CRRA Update to GOVS Conference In May

The Georgia Office of Victim Services, a division of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles recently conducted a training conference for the state’s district attorneys and their victim-witness assistance offices.

As part of the conference, Brandon Hembree, a partner with Impact Public Affairs and the mayor of Sugar Hill provided an update on the Criminal Record Responsibility Act (CRRA). 

Gov Kemp signs Criminal Record Responsibility Act (CRRA) into Law

CRRA SigningRecently, Governor Kemp signed the Criminal Record Responsibility Act (CRRA). In addition to improving communication protocols within the judiciary, the new law will enhance the safety of innocent victims and community members alike. The new “Criminal Case Data Exchange Board” will provide a central platform to determine and oversee statewide electronic reporting processes. 

Marsy’s Law for Georgia Recognizes Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles Member Meg Heap with Champion Award

Heap receives a Challenge Coin for her role and support as a victim advocate for the State of Georgia

Marsy’s Law for Georgia Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and Celebrates Passing of Criminal Record Responsibility Act

Georgia General Assembly passes the CRRA bill weeks ahead of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, observed from April 24-30

Marsy’s Law for Georgia Recognizes Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan With Champion Award

Duncan receives challenge coin for his support resulting in the Criminal Record Responsibility Act and Victim Notification Package’s unanimous passing in the Senate