Can a victim of a crime hire their own attorney to navigate the criminal process? How might this help?

When a crime is charged, the defendant will have an attorney. And while it may appear on first blush that the prosecutor is the victim’s attorney, this is NOT true. The prosecutor represents the government and will seek what they think is for the greater good or advance their office’s goals. This may indeed not match with the victim’s interests and preferences. But it may not. This can be a problem when a victim has their own individual voice and is worried about being lost or run over in the shuffle, potentially repeating or even worsening the trauma of the crime itself. Remember prosecutors’ offices are bureaucratic and inherently political: they may very well not align with your preferences and feelings.

Victims of crime who hire a supportive, empathetic attorney during the prosecution gain critical advantages that enhance their safety, enforce their rights, and improve overall well-being and experience within the legal system. A good lawyer in this role will address both legal and emotional needs by bringing listening ears, their own deep experience in the system, and powerful advocacy. New Mexico State Court is especially fast paced and difficult to follow, raising the importance of an attorney guide. New Mexico Federal District Court is forbidding for victims and locked behind walls of formalities. In both cases, New Mexico Courts can unfortunately be a tough place for a victim to navigate on their own. Consider hiring a lawyer to be your guide through this process

Legal Expertise and Rights Enforcement

Supportive attorneys offer legal advice tailored to victims’ rights, including privacy protections, their desire for knowledge, and tailoring their participation in court proceedings. The system is quite complex with many moving parts and influences; a lawyer is the only way to get an accurate picture of the proceedings. 

Unlike non-attorney advocates, lawyers can directly represent victims in civil matters such as personal injury claims, family law disputes, or immigration relief (e.g., U Visas). Victim advocates can be a support, but a good attorney can do anything they can do but much more. This is especially true in comparison with the DA’s victim advocates which very often have conflicts of loyalty and certainly do not have attorney client privilege. 

Trauma-Informed Advocacy

Attorneys work to reduce secondary victimization caused by insensitive legal processes. Max Pines Law in particular employs an especially skilled and experienced licensed clinical social worker who can explore therapeutic options. Thus, we provide emotional support and court accompaniment, while taking on adversarial interactions, minimizing direct contact between victim, offenders or other hostile or uncaring players. This collaboration helps victims avoid traumatization during testimony and cross-examination.

Strategic Case Navigation

Key benefits for victim representation include:

• Evidence collection: Secure police reports, medical records, and witness statements.
• Expert explanation: After seeing over 80 trials from arraignment through to verdict, Max Pines knows the criminal process and can explain it to you with confidence and sensitivity.
• System coordination: Interactions with prosecutors to ensure victims’ preferences regarding charges or plea agreements are heard, addressing common frustrations with unresponsive prosecutors.
• Confidentiality: Attorney-client privilege allows victims to share sensitive details without fear of disclosure.
• Loyalty: Max Pines Law owes you duty to place your best interest above all; a duty that cannot be compromised.
• In-House Social Worker: to connect you to resources and provide additional moral support.
• Preservation and Strategy for collateral matters: Strengthen and prepare for any civil claims to get you the justice that you are entitled to. 

Improved Outcomes

Victims with legal representation report better mental health outcomes due to empowered participation in legal processes. Studies show coordinated legal services reduce revictimization risks and improve healing. Additionally, attorneys help victims access compensation funds and civil remedies that address long-term safety needs, such as protective orders with custody or financial provisions.

By combining legal authority with trauma-sensitive practices, attorneys fill gaps in victim support systems, ensuring both procedural justice and personal recovery.