There may be immigration benefits available to undocumented individuals and their family if they have been victims of certain crimes, even if a suspect hasn’t been identified or if criminal charges haven’t been filed. There are specific requirements which must be met in order to qualify. Call our office and we can guide you & inform you about your rights as a victim of a crime.
For victims of crime:
- Dial 9-1-1, report the crime & cooperate with law enforcement.
- Law protects victims of crime regardless of immigration status.
- Victims of crime are not arrested for reporting a crime.
- Your children wont be taken because you are undocumented.
- The crime that happened to you is not your fault.
Get empowered with information
If you have been the victim of a crime, you may qualify for a U visa. There are several requirements. You should request a copy of the crime report and set an appointment with Salinas Immigration Attorney Magnolia Zárraga to assess if you might qualify to apply for a U-visa or if you have other options available.
Applying for a U visa is a long process, you will need to be an active participant in your case and document your emotional or physical injuries as well as continue to cooperate with law enforcement and keep yourself out of trouble. If your case is approved you will obtain a work permit and be able to remain in the US legally for 4 years, however after 3 years you will be able to apply to become a permanent resident.
There are other options for those who have been victims of domestic violence by a US Citizen child, spouse or parent and for those who have been victims of human or sex trafficking.
It is against the law to threaten or intimidate a victim or witness because of their involvement in the criminal process. If this happens you must report it to law enforcement and you might have immigration remedies available. Your safety is of greatest importance, request assistance with temporary criminal protective orders restraining orders, relocation or other appropriate referrals. If there is an immediate physical threat call 911.
At the Law Office of Magnolia Zarraga we not only advocate for systemic change to improve justice for immigrant victims but we also ensure that immigrant victims’ voices are heard and we educate immigrant victims about their rights and assist immigrant victims.
Don’t rely on rumors or fear, contact Attorney Magnolia Zárraga put her experience & passion to work for you.
Call to schedule a consultation with Immigration Attorney Zárraga
831-757-4615
Resources:
YWCA group & individual counseling
831-422-8602
Monterey County Rape Crisis Center
831-771-0411
Monterey County Victim Witness Program:
831-755-5072
Assists Victims with State compensation application, therapy referrals as well as advocacy & criminal justice orientation.
National Victim Notification Service
1-866-277-7477
Register to receive free phone & email notification when your offender’s custody status changes.
Some Important Victim Rights:
- To be treated with fairness, dignity & respect.
- Right to be free from intimidation, harassment & abuse
- Right to have safety considered in bail and release decisions.
- Right to refuse an Interview, Deposition or discovery by Defendant or Defendant’s attorney.
- Right to have a victim advocate & support person present at interviews.
- Right to justice & due process.
- Right to privacy & confidentiality.
- Right to Notice & Information.
- Right to be heard.
- Right to reasonable protection.
- Right to timely copy of crime report.
- Right to restitution.
- Right to prompt return of property.
Crisis Hotlines
These are free, confidential & available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in various languages.
YWCA Domestic violence hotline
831-372-6300
831-757-1001
Santa Cruz County Domestic Violence crisis line
1-888-900-4232
San Benito County crisis line
1-877-778-7978
Monterey Rape Crisis Center hotline
831-375-4357
831-424-4357
National Domestic Violence hotline
1-800-799-7233
Human Trafficking hotline
1-888-373-7888
National Center for missing & exploited children
1-800-843-5678
Trans lifeline:
1-877-565-8860
Suicide crisis lifeline: 988
If you are in immediate danger, call 911
I have over 20 years of experience working with victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and other violent crimes.
I was a domestic violence & sexual assault counselor for the Women’s Crisis Center for several years.
I was part of the Sheriff’s Dept. Domestic Assault Response Team & accompanied a lead DV Investigator on home visits
I accompanied victims of sexual assault to the hospital and to SART exams.
I interned for over a year as an advocate at the Monterey County Victim Witness Office within the District Attorney’s Office.
I’ve been working for over 15 years as an immigration attorney helping victims of crimes.
Helping victims of crime is my passion.
My prior experience as a victim advocate and my prior experience as a criminal defense attorney give me a unique set of skills which I utilize for the benefit of my clients.
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