VWAP Day at Capitol

 

 

For Immediate Release:

On Thursday, February 19th Douglas County District Attorney David McDade, along with victim advocates from the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office joined with victim advocates from around the state in efforts at the Capitol to convince legislators to support crime victim legislation during Victim Advocacy Day at the State Capitol. McDade has for several years led the lobbying efforts of the Georgia District Attorneys Association in seeking to improve victim rights through changes in the law and by improvements in the victim’s advocacy system.

Joining McDade in the day’s events State Senator Bill Hamrick, who according to McDade “has long been our strongest ally in the fight to improve victim rights in the judicial system.” As a part of the days scheduled events, State Senator Bill Hamrick recognized Victim Advocates in a Senate Resolution. In the resolution, Senator Hamrick emphasized the importance of Prosecution-based Victim Advocates, as they are the only victim service providers mandated by state law. Senator Hamrick presented the Resolution to McDade and several victim advocates on the Senate Floor.

The day’s events concluded with a press conference on the front steps of the Capitol. Catherine Branch, a victim advocate from Douglas County, introduced the keynote speaker, Mrs. Kellie Wiggins, who’s sister Marie Richards was murdered in Douglas County in 2004. Nicholas Bryant was subsequently convicted of her murder and sentenced to death by a Douglas County jury in 2007 in a case prosecuted by McDade.

Mrs. Wiggins stated at the press conference that since the brutal death of her sister, she has felt the need to become an advocate for crime victim’s rights. Mrs. Wiggins stated that she and her family were extremely grateful to District Attorney David McDade and the victim advocates in his office for all of their patience, assistance and understanding of her family during that difficult time. Furthermore, she urged the State legislators to continue to keep victim legislation as one of the top priorities during the legislative session. Wiggins went further and asked the legislators to support SB 13, which would authorize a sentence of life without parole for a person convicted of murder and SB 151, which calls for enhanced victim rights in the courtroom.

District Attorney David McDade continues to be a voice for victims in the courtroom and at the State Capitol. “No one asks to be a victim of crime,” stated McDade. “However, it is my job, as well as the victim advocates, to ensure that we make the victim feel at ease with the criminal justice system and to make certain that justice is served in every case. I will continue to fight for Crime Victim Legislation that makes the laws tougher on criminals and afford crime victims a more even playing field in the courtroom.” McDade has repeatedly said that “the criminal justice system should not always be just about the defendant rather it should be about the victim and their rights.”