This website helps prepare the forms required for Victim Impact Statement in Alabama.
We do have juvenile and Elder Abuse protection orders. here
HOW IT WORKS
1. Take Screening
Start with an online screening tool to help determine whether submitting a Victim Impact Statement in Alabama is appropriate for your situation.
2. Prepare Documents
Instead of looking at the legal forms themselves, you will be guided through a series of detailed questions. These will gather the necessary information topic by topic. The questions are in plain language, and easy to understand for non-lawyers. To make this process as simple as possible, our system will then generate the official court forms with your responses printed on them.
3. Consult Advocate (Optional)
You can consult a victim advocate or a pro bono (free) lawyer to get guidance on preparing your Victim Impact Statement. These resources are typically funded by the government and are free of charge. An advocate or lawyer can help you review your statement, explain the court process, and discuss how the crime has affected you. Only lawyers can provide legal advice, but most advocates have experience supporting victims through the sentencing process and can guide you through this important step.
4. File with the Clerk
You can formally submit your Victim Impact Statement to the court by filing it with the Clerk of the Circuit or District Court handling the criminal case. The victim, or a representative, can file the statement at the courthouse where the defendant is being sentenced.
Typically, the Victim Impact Statement is submitted:
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In the court where the criminal case is being prosecuted
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Prior to or during the sentencing hearing
You will be guided on which specific court to file in, as it must be the court with jurisdiction over the criminal case. You can file by printing and submitting it at the court clerk’s office, or — in some locations — directly online through this website.
Process
Step 1
Crime Occurs
A violent or criminal act takes place, resulting in physical, emotional, or financial harm to the victim. This event begins the legal process and creates the foundation for victim rights, including the right to submit a Victim Impact Statement.
Step 2
Criminal Charges Are Filed
Law enforcement investigates the incident. If there is sufficient evidence, the district attorney files formal charges against the accused. At this stage, the court begins handling the case, and the victim becomes part of the criminal justice process.
Step 3
You Are Notified as a Victim
You may be contacted by a victim advocate or the prosecutor’s office. They will explain your rights under Alabama law, including your right to submit a Victim Impact Statement before sentencing. This is an opportunity to express how the crime has affected you.
Step 4
You: Prepare the Victim Impact Statement
Step 5
File with the Court or Prosecutor
Step 6
Review by the Judge
Before sentencing, the judge carefully reviews your Victim Impact Statement. It helps the court understand how the crime personally affected you and may influence the sentence handed down to the offender.
Step 7
Sentencing Hearing
The judge issues the sentence to the offender. In some cases, you may be invited to attend and read your Victim Impact Statement aloud. This gives you a chance to speak directly to the court about the pain, trauma, or disruption the crime caused in your life. Participation in this step is optional.
Step 8
Case Closure and Enforcement
After sentencing, the court's decision becomes final. If restitution is ordered, it may be enforced through the criminal justice system. Your statement remains part of the official record and may provide emotional closure or a sense of justice.
FAQs
RESOURCES
Victims of Crime & Leniency
Advocacy support throughout the criminal justice process, help with Victim Impact Statements, safe space for victims, housing during legal proceedings, and emotional/physical support
(334) 262‑7197
422 S Court St, Montgomery, AL 36104
Helping Hearts Alabama
Helping Hearts Alabama is a nonprofit supporting domestic violence survivors through advocacy, education, and direct services. From court support to crisis intervention, we help individuals find safety, resources, and hope ensuring no one faces abuse alone. Healing starts with being heard, and we're here to listen and stand by each survivor.
(256) 272-1328
PO BOX 1512 Huntsville, AL 35807
The House of Ruth, Inc.
The House of Ruth, Inc. serves domestic violence victims and survivors in Barbour, Bullock, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston, and Pike County. We serve victims and survivors of sexual assault in Coffee, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston and Pike County.
The counties that I serve for domestic violence are Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva, And Pike County. I can easily put you in touch with the advocate for our other 4 counties or our sexual assault advocate if need ed.
Amber Dixon
(334) 793-5214
214 West Troy Street, Dothan AL 36303
One Place Family Justice Center
Co-located services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, and trafficking—including help with victim statements and legal assistance
(334) 262‑7378
530 S Lawrence St, Montgomery, AL 36104
Dominique Dudley
Dominique Dudley is an advocate dedicated to supporting individuals facing domestic violence. She assists with navigating legal protection processes, offers compassionate guidance, and connects clients with essential resources ensuring they feel supported, informed, and empowered every step of the way.
(256) 692-8591
208 Exchange Place Northwest, Huntsville AL 35806
Advocate Assistant
An Advocate Assistant at the National Children’s Advocacy Center in Huntsville, Alabama, provides vital support to children and families affected by abuse. Working alongside forensic interviewers, counselors, and caseworkers, the assistant helps coordinate services, offers emotional support, and ensures each family receives the resources they need for healing and justice.
(256) 272-1328
2008 Giles Drive Northeast, Huntsville AL 35811
Child Protect Children’s Advocacy Center
For child abuse victims—provides forensic interviews, counseling, and advocacy, including support with victim impact statements on behalf of minors
(334) 262‑1220
935 S Perry St, Montgomery, AL 36104
Breanna Burgess
Breanna A. Burgess is a Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate with Army Community Service. Based in Huntsville (North Alabama), she leads interactive Personal Safety Skills classes through the Family Advocacy Program. Breanna teaches trauma-informed techniques such as weight-based escapes for individuals to safely exit violent confrontations, emphasizing that victims don’t need to be physically strong to protect themselves
(256) 955-6904
3443 Aerobee Road, Huntsville AL 35805
National Children's Advocacy Center
Jana Thomas is the Family Advocate Supervisor at the National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC) in Huntsville, Alabama. With a background in social work, she has experience in pediatric psychiatric care, alternative education, juvenile probation in Nashville, and child welfare with Lauderdale County DHR.
(256) 327-3820
210 Pratt Avenue Northeast, #Building D, Huntsville AL 35801
Amy Nix
Amy Nix is an advocate with the National Children’s Advocacy Center, supporting children and families impacted by abuse. She assists clients through legal interviews, crisis intervention, and connects them with essential community resources—offering compassionate guidance and ensuring no one navigates the recovery process alone.
(931) 227-8758
210 Pratt Avenue Pratt Avenue , Huntsville, Alabama AL 35801
Court Forms Created This website guides you through all the necessary steps to complete your Victim Impact Statement and submit it to the court as part of the criminal case.
Core Forms
- Petition for Protection from Abuse
- Request for Hearing Protection from Abuse Act
- Protection from Abuse Plaintiff
- Exhibit A
- Exhibit B
Proposed Orders
- Protection Order
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Ex Parte Protection Order