Are You a Victim
of a Crime?
You do not have to navigate the criminal justice system alone. The Victim Advocates of the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office are here to help.
We Are Here to Help You Through the Process
Being the victim of a crime can bring questions, uncertainty, and unexpected challenges. Our Victim Advocates serve as a connection between victims and the criminal justice system throughout the prosecution of a case.
We can help you understand your rights, provide information about upcoming court proceedings, explain what to expect as a case moves forward, and connect you with community resources and victim assistance programs.
We can also provide information about possible financial assistance for certain expenses resulting from a crime and help direct victims to the appropriate programs.
Our goal is to make sure you have information, support, and a voice as your case proceeds through the criminal justice system.
How Can a Victim Advocate Help?
Our advocates help victims understand and navigate the criminal justice process while connecting them with information and available resources.
Understand Your Rights
Learn about your rights as a victim under New Mexico law and how those rights apply during the criminal justice process.
Stay Informed
Receive information about court hearings, case developments, and other important events involving your case.
Navigate the Court Process
Understand what happens from charging through plea negotiations, trial, sentencing, and other court proceedings.
Connect With Resources
Receive information about counseling, shelter, legal assistance, financial assistance, safety resources, and other community services.
Your Rights Matter
New Mexico law provides qualifying crime victims with important rights throughout the criminal justice process.
Have Questions About Your Rights?
A Victim Advocate can help explain your rights and how they apply to your case.
Email a Victim AdvocateWhat Happens in a Criminal Case?
Every case is different, but a criminal case may move through several stages. Your Victim Advocate can help explain where your case is in the process and what may happen next.
Investigation
Charging
Pretrial Proceedings
Plea or Trial
Sentencing
Post-Conviction
Questions Victims Frequently Ask
Knowing your rights as a victim is an important step in understanding and navigating the criminal justice process.
When do my rights under the Victims of Crime Act begin?
The Victims of Crime Act contains specific provisions governing the rights of qualifying crime victims and the responsibilities of criminal justice agencies. A Victim Advocate can help explain how these rights apply to you and your case.
As a victim, what are my rights?
Victims of qualifying crimes have rights under the New Mexico Constitution and the Victims of Crime Act. These include rights concerning dignity and privacy, reasonable protection, notification of court proceedings, participation in the criminal justice process, restitution when appropriate, and information concerning the outcome of the case.
What are the steps of a criminal case in the judicial system?
Every case is different, but a criminal case may include investigation, charging, arraignment, pretrial hearings, plea negotiations, trial, sentencing, and in some cases, appeal.
Your Victim Advocate can help explain where your case is in the process and what you can expect next.
How can I stay informed about my case?
Keep your contact information current with our office and stay in communication with your assigned Victim Advocate. Your advocate can provide information about scheduled proceedings and help explain developments in your case.
What resources are available to me?
Depending on your circumstances, resources may be available for counseling, emergency shelter, safety planning, legal assistance, support services, financial assistance, behavioral health services, and other needs.
Our Victim Advocates can help connect you with appropriate services in your community.
How do I obtain an Order of Protection?
Orders of Protection are handled through the courts. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to petition the District Court for an Order of Protection related to domestic abuse, stalking, or sexual assault.
Visit the New Mexico Courts Order of Protection information for forms and information about the process.
Victim Resources & Support
Victims and families may need different types of support throughout the criminal justice process. These community partners provide specialized services including financial assistance, counseling, shelter, behavioral health support, sexual assault services, advocacy, and case management.
New Mexico Crime Victims Reparation Commission
If you have expenses resulting from a violent crime, the New Mexico Crime Victims Reparation Commission may be able to provide financial assistance for eligible costs.
Assistance may be available for expenses such as medical care, counseling, and other qualifying costs related to victimization.
Esperanza Shelter
Esperanza provides compassionate services for individuals and families affected by domestic violence, with programs designed to help survivors work toward safety, independence, and healing.
- Domestic violence services
- Emergency shelter and support
- Counseling services
- Court advocacy
- Safety planning and survivor support
Solace Sexual Assault Services
Solace provides specialized services for survivors of sexual violence and child abuse throughout northern New Mexico, bringing advocacy, clinical services, education, and support together.
- Sexual assault services
- Child abuse services
- Survivor advocacy
- Clinical support
- Education and prevention
La Sala Crisis Triage Center
La Sala provides support and intervention for individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis, including challenges involving anxiety, depression, grief, stress, substance misuse, and severe mental health symptoms.
- Behavioral health crisis intervention
- Anxiety and depression support
- Grief and loss support
- Substance misuse concerns
- Mental health symptom management
Engage
Engage supports individuals in identifying their priorities and connecting with services that can help them build stability and engage in the life they want to live.
- Long-term case management
- Behavioral health support
- Community-based connections
- Individualized goal setting
- Diversion support and services
We Are Here to Help.
If you are a victim in a case being prosecuted by the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office, our Victim Advocates are available to answer questions, provide information, and connect you with resources.
