Victim Resources

Being a victim is not your fault. It can be a stressful situation and some people find it very difficult to cope. Victims may need to seek help through their support system, counseling, or victim assistance. 

 FBI Victim Services: Coping with Crime Victimization

Opelika Victim Services Coordinator

Shanda Huguley

Victim Resource Brochure

Recursos para víctimas

Victim’s Rights

In accordance with Alabama Victims’ Rights Laws Statute § 15-23-62, the City of Opelika Police Department and all other law enforcement agencies in Alabama are required to provide victims of crime with the information referenced below within 72 hours, unless the victim is unavailable or incapacitated as a result of a crime committed against them. 

(1) The availability of emergency and crisis services. 

(2) The availability of violent crime victims’ compensation benefits and the name, address, and telephone number of the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission. 

(3) The name of the law enforcement officer and telephone number of the law enforcement agency with the following statement attached: ‘If within 60 days you are not notified of an arrest in your case, you may call the telephone number of the law enforcement agency for the status of the case.’ 

(4) The procedural steps involved in criminal prosecution. 

(5) The rights authorized by the Alabama Constitution on rights of victims, including a form to invoke these rights. 

(6) The existence and eligibility requirements of restitution and compensation pursuant to Section 15-18- 65 et. seq. and Section 15-23-1 et. seq. 

(7) A recommended procedure if the victim is subjected to threats or intimidation. 

(8) The name and telephone number of the office of the prosecuting attorney to contact for further information. 

 

Alabama Attorney General’s Office Victim Assistance 1-800-626-7676

Victim Assistance

24/7 Crisis Lines

  • Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 9.8.8
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline 1.800.799.7233
  • National Human Trafficking Hotline 888.373.7888
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline 800.656.4673
  • Central Alabama Crisis Center 205.323.7777
  • Rape Counselors of East Alabama Hotline 334.705.0510
  • R.O.S.S. Addiction Helpline 844.307.1760
  • VOCAL Crime Victim Crisis Line 800.239.3219
  • Family Sunshine Center Crisis Assistance 334.263.0218

Additional Resources


  • Lee County Health Department 334-745-5765
  • Social Security (877) 512-3857
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
  • Alabama Anti-Human Trafficking Alliance 334-223-3213
  • Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tipline 1-866-347-2423
  • Lee County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) 334-749-8161
  • Lee County Sheriff Office 334-749-5651
  • Lee County Circuit Clerk’s Office 334-737-3526
  • Opelika Municipal Court 334-705-5190
  • Legal Assistance Services 334-826-6828
  • Lee County Probate Office 334-737-3670
  • FBI Local Office 334-466-5041
  • Alabama State Trooper Post and Driver's License 334-742-9986
  • American Red Cross 334-749-9981
  • Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama- HICA 205.945.5505
  • Crash Reports https://www.crashdocs.org/#/

Misdemeanor/Municipal Ordinance Violations

The Opelika Municipal Court has jurisdiction over prosecutions for violations of municipal ordinances and State misdemeanor offenses occurring within Opelika city limits and police jurisdiction.

  1. Crime occurs and is reported to police.
  2. Accused is arrested or victim files complaint with the Opelika Magistrate. A complaint is a written statement made upon oath before a magistrate giving essential facts of the offense and alleging that the defendant committed the offense. The Magistrate may then issue a warrant for the arrest of the person charged and subpoena witnesses.
  3. Following an arrest, the accused may be released on bond under conditions imposed to assure appearance at trial or minimize the risk of harm to others. 
  4. Initial Appearance. Defendant enters plea of “Guilty” or “Not Guilty”. 
    • If “Guilty” plea is entered, the case proceeds directly to the Sentencing Phase. 
    • If “Not Guilty” plea is entered, the case will proceed to Trial Phase.
  5. Trial Phase. Victims/witnesses may be required to testify. If the defendant is found guilty, he/she will be sentenced by the judge to: Jail, Fine, Restitution, and/or Probation. The victim of a crime does not need his/her own lawyer; the City Prosecutor is responsible for prosecuting cases in municipal court.
  6. Appeals Phase. If the case is appealed by the convicted offender, the City Prosecutor will work to uphold and defend the conviction.

Opelika Municipal Court 334-705-5190