Survivors of sexual assault now have information about their assailant’s court case at their fingertips through the recently launched Guam Victim Information and Notification Everyday system or VINE.
Attorney General Leevin Camacho says that Guam is the first territory to launch the program which is already active in 48 US states. The VINE system is a free and confidential solution promoting victim participation in the criminal justice system by allowing victims to search court events and receive notifications should court cases be rescheduled or canceled.
“The idea behind VINE is that victims now have the option of receiving notifications on their cases whenever they want. As of right now, there are few ways for victims to receive notifications like they can get an automated phone call or they can receive text messages,” Camacho said.
VINE provides information on arraignment hearings, bail hearings, change of plea hearings trials, sentencing and restitution hearings. AG Camacho says that the system only provides information on active cases before the Superior Court of Guam, cases which are closed, and juvenile cases. Federal cases are not accessible.
VINE can be accessed through the website vinelink.com, it is also available as a smartphone app called VINELink App and through telephone at 1-877-484-8463.
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