VOCAL St. Clair County

04/27/2024

As National Crime Victims' Rights Week comes to a close, those of us here at VOCAL who are the victims of crime know that this is more than just one week during the year.

We live with this reality every single day.

And even though this is our reality, thankfully, the majority of the people around us do not know our pain.

We are, however, grateful for the week of recognition and for all those who came and show support, not just this week, but every day.

VOCAL St. Clair County first would like to thank Angela Harris for joining us at our meeting on Thursday and sharing not only her daughter, Aniah Blanchard's, story but her own personal story about being a sexual assault victim.

It takes a lot of courage to tell your story, and we are proud of you.

If you would like to support Angela and her family and to help others, please give her pages a like/follow and share them; Aniah's Heart and Angels of Empowerment.

In sharing, our hope is that someone who has carried the burden of being a victim might find the strength and courage to tell their story, too.

Secondly, we would like to give a big thank you to everyone who came out and joined us for the 3rd annual St. Clair County District Attorney's blood drive.

We had 36 generous donors, which beat out last years totals! This is amazing! YOU are amazing!

Finally, an extra special thank you goes out to those who came out and set up tables;

Office of the Sheriff - St. Clair County Alabama.

Pam Kelly, Cheryl Fagan, and Anna King joined us from the St. Clair Children's Advocacy Center, Inc. The Children's Place.

Erin Adams from MADD Alabama

Larry Finn from Sophia's Giving Hands Foundation.

Kayla Mishoe from Alabama Bureau of Pardons & Paroles

Nayla Contreras from the Office of Attorney General

Along with our esteemed guest, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall

We appreciate the generous gifts of your time and life-saving donation. They are priceless, and your unwavering support does not go unnoticed.

Last and most importantly, not least, our victims.

We are so sorry for your loss. We know there is nothing we can say to ease your pain.

We just hope and pray that with us here, you know you are not walking this journey alone.

And with that knowledge, it helps to ease the burden you have been forced to carry because of the choices made by others.

We see you.

04/11/2024

April 21-27 is National Crime Victims' Rights Week.

Please join us on Thursday, April 25th, at 6 pm at the Pell City courthouse, as we welcome this months guest speaker, Angela Harris.

Angela's daughter, Aniah Blanchard, was murdered in October of 2019, which resulted in the passage of Aniah's Law.

Following Thursday's meeting on Friday, April 26th, from 10 am to 4 pm, we will have a table set up for the Third-Annual St. Clair County District Attorney's Office NCVRW Blood Drive.

Joining us will be representatives from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), The Wellhouse, St. Clair County Child Advocacy Center, the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office, as well as someone from the Attorney General's office.

Come support those who have been impacted by crime.

And when, not if, it happens, we will be there to walk with you.

Everyone thinks crime won't affect them... until it does.

04/28/2023

National Crime Victims' Rights Week Blood Drive today at the Pell City Courthouse. What a privilege it is to serve with VOCAL St. Clair County as we honor victims of crime.

04/28/2023

Our blood drive is going strong! Please join VOCAL St. Clair County & the St. Clair County District Attorney's Office at the Pell City Courthouse for National Crime Victims' Rights week. LIFESOUTH is accepting donors until 4:30pm. Our vigil honoring victims of crime begins at 5:30.

04/25/2023

What is one way to honor victims of crime during National Crime Victim Rights Week?

Attend a hearing to show your support for families whose loved one is a victim of crime.

While you cannot take away the pain and heartache they are experiencing, you can sit with them as endure yet another proceeding.

Never underestimate your presence in the courtroom.

It means more to these families than they can adequately convey.

04/24/2023

Did you know that a Class D felon is immune to even the threat of jail time? That means someone who steals $1,400 a dozen times over a month or less could face only one sentence that cannot even be threatened with jail. This loophole in the law has led to the near collapse of programs like drug courts, leading to continued crime fueled by addiction and mental health issues.
But we have a solution! The ADAA is seeking to change this through two separate bills in the Senate and House. These bills seek to address the Class D felony and hold low-level property offenders accountable.
Before 2015, we weren't sending low-level property offenders to prison, but we need to do that now. It's simply obscene to have zero accountability for a felony offense, especially when a misdemeanor can result in up to a year in jail for stealing just $500.
Let's stand together and push for a fair and just system that holds all offenders accountable.
To read more about this bill and other bills in the District Attorney's Crime Package visit https://alabamadistrictattorney.org/crimepackage/

04/18/2023

Please come out, donate if you can, and support us as we honor the victims whose voices have been silenced.

02/12/2023

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/adoc-inmate-releases-will-continue-as-planned/ar-AA17n5ul?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=1488f894fcb84f128c1ca10ae3117d81

According to ADOC, going forward, these transfers will occur twice a month.

12/05/2022

Someone shared: Man wanted for attempted murder of Moody police officer

A search is underway for a man after a warrant was issued for the attempted murder of a police officer.

12/01/2022

The holiday season is notorious for being stressful. For people who are experiencing domestic violence, though, those stressors can be more serious.

You are not alone. If you need help, contact the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office Violence Against Women Prosecution Unit or the One Place Family Justice Center. We are here for you.

12/01/2022

https://www.stclairsheriff.org/press_view.php?id=399

Date 12012022Event Missing Endangered PersonLocation AL Hwy 144 in RaglandName Catherine Ann McCann a 56 YO, ...

11/18/2022

The jury deliberated for about one hour and 15 minutes before alerting court officials they had reached a verdict.