Victim Rights in Action: Litigation Strategies for Prosecutors

Free Training for Prosecutors and Staff:

The VRA in Colorado provides a broad range of rights and protections for crime victims in Colorado, from privacy and safety rights to the right to be heard during certain proceedings. While many VRA are commonly recognized, there are times where additional litigation is needed to ensure they are upheld.

In this webinar, Rocky Mountain Victim Law Center (RMvlc) will provide a brief overview of the VRA, including recent updates. Most of the session will then focus on the key VRA issues litigated by RMvlc, and the strategies used to do so. Key topics include restitution, the right to be present, privacy protections, and the right to swift and fair resolution. Sample motions will be provided for some of the most common issues litigated by RMvlc, along with time to answer any specific questions participants may have.

Presenters:

Emily Tofte Nestaval, MSW, Executive Director, RMvlc

Ms. Tofte Nestaval has over 19 years’ experience in the anti-violence field advocating for victims and survivors. Throughout her career, she has been able to meld her passion for serving survivors of violence and non-profit management. Ms. Tofte Nestaval has provided consultation, training and technical assistance to attorneys, prosecutors, and social service providers as they navigate the complexities of serving victims of violence. She has held the positions of Assistant Director of Moving to End Sexual Assault, Board Chair of the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Sexual Violence Justice Institute Program Director, Financial and Grants Manager at the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault, and is currently the Executive Director of Rocky Mountain Victim Law Center. She has received several awards for the work in victim services including the 2014 Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault’s Change Maker award and the Commitment to Justice Award from the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office in 2017.

Kazi Houston, MSW, JD, Legal Director, RMvlc

Ms. Houston obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Seattle University in 1998, her Master of Social Work and Master of Arts in International Studies from the University of Denver in 2001, and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver in 2010. Prior to attending law school, Ms. Houston worked extensively with children and families managing mental illness and/or developmental disabilities, particularly those involved with the criminal justice system.  After law school, Ms. Houston worked for 4 years as a private practice civil attorney prior to returning to the non-profit sector in 2015.  A commitment to improving community access to the legal system and engaging in innovative legal work led her to RMvlc in 2016. Ms. Houston has presented at multiple statewide and national conferences on victim legal issues. She has also served as the victim representative on the Prison Population Management Interim Study Committee, the CCJJ Sentencing Reform Task Force, and currently serves on the CBI Identity Theft and Fraud Board.

Application for CLE in progress.