What is Georgia crime victim compensation?
the Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program is administered by the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC). It is a government program that helps victims of violent crime — and certain family members — with the out-of-pocket costs a crime leaves behind. It is a payer of last resort: it covers expenses not paid by insurance or other sources, and it does not require you to prove that anyone was at fault.
How much can you receive?
The program pays up to $25,000 per victim, per victimization. It typically helps with:
- Medical care
- Mental-health counseling
- Lost wages
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of support
Who is eligible?
You must be an innocent victim of a violent crime, report it within 72 hours (unless there is good cause), cooperate with law enforcement and prosecutors, and file within the deadline.
Deadlines that matter
- Report the crime: within 72 hours.
- Apply: within 3 years of the crime (exceptions may apply, especially for minors).
Because deadlines and rules can change, confirm the current requirements with the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) or with a lawyer.
Compensation vs. a civil lawsuit — the difference that matters
Compensation is vital, immediate help, but it is capped at $25,000 and only covers certain costs. If your injury was caused by a crime that a property owner could have prevented with reasonable security, you may also have a civil negligent-security claim — a separate case that can recover the full cost of your medical care, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering, with no such cap. Many victims pursue both. The Haggard Law Firm can review whether you have a civil claim, free.
How we handle a Georgia case — working with local counsel
The Haggard Law Firm is based in Coral Gables, Florida, and Michael A. Haggard is licensed to practice law in Florida. Mr. Haggard is not licensed in Georgia. Negligent security and crime-victim litigation is the firm’s core focus, and because of the national reputation the firm has built in this specific area, Mr. Haggard regularly works on Georgia cases as co-counsel with a locally licensed Georgia attorney, seeking admission pro hac vice (for the individual case) where the court’s rules permit. Any Georgia matter would be handled together with local counsel admitted in Georgia.
If you were shot, stabbed, or lost a loved one to a preventable crime in Georgia, you can still reach out to us directly. We will review your case for free and, where appropriate, associate with a qualified Georgia attorney to pursue it.
This page is attorney advertising and general information only; it is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Michael A. Haggard is licensed in Florida. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Georgia crime victim compensation pay?
Up to $25,000 per victim, per victimization, covering costs like medical care, counseling, lost wages, and funeral expenses not paid by insurance.
What is the deadline to apply in Georgia?
You generally must report the crime to police within 72 hours and file your application within 3 years of the crime. Exceptions sometimes apply, so confirm your specific deadline.
Can I get compensation and also sue?
Often yes. Compensation is a capped government fund; a civil negligent-security lawsuit against a negligent property owner is separate and can recover far more. A free case review will tell you whether you have a civil claim.
Is Michael Haggard licensed to practice in Georgia?
Mr. Haggard is licensed in Florida, not in Georgia. Because negligent-security litigation is his firm's core focus and the firm has a national profile in these cases, he regularly serves as co-counsel with a locally licensed Georgia attorney and, where the court permits, appears pro hac vice for the individual case. You can contact the firm directly, and where appropriate it will associate with qualified local counsel in Georgia.