VICTIM SERVICES

Rodrigo, a Black Labrador Retriever, was born April 17, 2017. He had two years of extensive training with Assistance Dogs of the West in Santa Fe, NM, before he was partnered with Chief Deputy District Attorney, RoxeAnne B. Esquibel, with the Twelfth Judicial District Attorney’s Office of Otero and Lincoln Counties. Rodrigo’s job as a Courthouse Facility Dog is to comfort victims and witnesses through the judicial process. Though Rodrigo is large, he is a very calm and relaxed dog. He loves to play fetch and snuggle with his dog toys.

The criminal justice system is a frightening and intimidating process for victims of crime. Therefore, the Twelfth Judicial District Attorney’s Victim Services Unit was created to assist with the trauma and burden suffered by those as a result of a commission of a crime. Our Victim Services Unit is committed to providing extensive assistance and referrals to victims of both misdemeanor and felony crimes. Trained Victim Advocates are available to educate victims of their rights under the New Mexico Victims of Crime Act and help them understand those rights. Victim Advocates keep victims involved with their cases and work closely with victims of all violent crimes, as well as area service providers to ensure victims are aware of all the resources available and are able to utilize them.

Bilingual staff is available to provide services to Spanish-speaking victims and we will work with the court to obtain specific language interpreters to assist them through the criminal justice system and ensure they are informed about their cases.

The Twelfth Judicial District Attorney’s Office has a courthouse facility dog available to provide support and comfort to victims at each stage of the criminal justice process. Rodrigo is a black Labrador Retriever our office obtained from Assistance Dogs of the West and is certified and accredited through Assistance Dogs International. Rodrigo is a highly skilled facility dog that came to us with over 1500 hours of training under his vest.

The Victim Advocate staff can:

• Explain the criminal justice system and orient victims to their role in the prosecutorial process.
• Serve as a liaison between victims and prosecutors, law enforcement, the court system, other criminal justice agencies, and service providers.
• Provide victims with case information and answer questions regarding the court process.
• Request specific language interpreters through the court.
• Notify victims of upcoming court proceedings.
• Provide information about an inmate’s custody status and notify the victim of an inmate’s release from a correctional facility.
• Advocate for obtaining a court order of protection.
• Arrange transportation to court for victims and witnesses
• Assist with the preparation of victim impact statements
• Prepare absence excusal letters for employers and schools.

VICTIM RIGHTS

• The right to be treated with fairness and respect and respect for the victim’s dignity and privacy throughout the criminal justice process.
• The right to timely disposition of the case.
• The right to be reasonably protected from the accused throughout the criminal justice process.
• The right to notification of court proceedings.
• The right to attend all public court proceedings the accused has a right to attend.
• The right to confer with the prosecution.
• The right to make a statement to the court at sentencing and at any post-sentencing hearings for the accused.
• The right to restitution from the person convicted of the criminal conduct that caused the victim’s loss or injury.
•  The right to information about the conviction, sentencing, imprisonment escape or release of the accused.
• The right to have the prosecuting attorney notify victim’s employer, if requested by the victim, of the necessity of the victim’s cooperation and testimony in a court proceeding that may necessitate the absence of the victim from work for good cause.
• The right to promptly receive any property belonging to the victim that is being held for evidentiary purposes by a law enforcement agency or the prosecuting attorney, unless there are compelling evidentiary reasons for retention of the victim’s property.

VICTIM RESPONSIBILITIES

• Keep the Victim Advocate and the District Attorney’s office informed of current address, phone numbers and e-mail, even after sentencing.
• Fully cooperate with and fully respond to reasonable requests by law enforcement and the District Attorney’s office.

PROCESS OF A CRIMINAL CASE

• Crime is reported to law enforcement. Investigation and arrest.
• Criminal complaint is filed if probable cause is determined.
• Grand jury or preliminary hearings for felonies; court sends the criminal complaint to DA for misdemeanors.
• First appearance (felony) or Arraignment (misdemeanor).
• Formal charges in court and review bond conditions.
• Felony arraignments. Formal pretrial motions and hearings.
• Pretrial conferences.
• Plea agreements or jury trial.
• Sentencing hearing and appeal (if filed).

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Enumerated Crimes NMSA 1978 §31-22-8:  Arson resulting in bodily injury; Aggravated assault or aggravated battery Dangerous use of explosives resulting in bodily injury; Negligent use of a deadly weapon; Murder; Voluntary manslaughter; Involuntary manslaughter; Kidnapping; Criminal sexual penetration; Criminal sexual contact of a minor; Abandonment or abuse of a child; Stalking; Human trafficking; Assault against a household member; Battery against a household member. Homicide by vehicle or great bodily injury by vehicle, Aggravated indecent exposure, as provided in §66-8-101NMSA 1978 and as provided in §30-9-14.3 NMSA 1978.

RESOURCES