About
The Ray of Justice
Legal Services & Holistic Care
Rachel W. Robinson, BLS, MPA, JD, Washington University in St. Louis School of Law
Rachel W. Robinson
Hi! I am Rachel W. Robinson, a former prosecutor now practicing Victim Rights Law. I am licensed in Colorado and serve Statewide.
During my 4-year tenure as a prosecutor, I advocated for and empowered countless victims of crime while balancing their rights with the rights of the defendant and the interests of the community. Now, however, I have the honor and privilege of solely focusing on victims’ rights and ensuring that their voices are heard throughout the criminal justice process.
What is a Victim Rights Attorney?
Unfortunately, victims’ rights are not always upheld by those endowed with the responsibility of administering justice in our communities. Indeed, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser recently found that the 12th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, led by Alonzo Payne, routinely failed to uphold the Victim Rights’ Act. As a prosecutor, I saw instances firsthand where victims’ rights were not fully enforced and the harm it caused to victims who had already endured a crime and were then forced to navigate a system that was not built for them.
As a Victim Rights Attorney, I guide my clients through the criminal justice process while empowering them. Specifically, I educate my clients on the basic tenets and processes of the criminal justice system, interpret the communications and actions of the police, prosecutor, judge, etc., ensure that my clients are kept informed throughout the lifecycle of the case, and facilitate my clients’ ability to obtain financial restitution.
What is Victim Rights Law?
Within the past 30 years, States around the U.S. promulgated laws detailing how police, prosecutors, judges, and all other actors affiliated with the criminal justice system are supposed to treat victims of crime.
In 1992, Colorado amended its State Constitution with Section 16a which proclaims that victims have “the right to be heard…, informed, and present at all critical stages of the criminal justice process.” The State Legislature further clarified that victims have “the right to be treated with fairness, respect, and dignity, and to be free from intimidation, harassment, or abuse, throughout the criminal justice process.” Colorado Revised Statute § 24-4.1-302.5. It goes on to specify the duties of the court system, which include the consideration of a victim’s wishes in the resolution of cases. Accordingly, victims are entitled to rights that are enshrined in the Colorado Constitution and the actors in the criminal justice system must uphold those rights throughout the lifecycle of a case.
What people are saying…
"Ms. Robinson was extremely clear and concise in relaying legal information to me and ensured I understood what was communicated. She was thorough, professional, and incredibly easy to talk to. She was the first attorney to give me the time of day! After a few rejections from other firms, I had given up…I wish our paths had crossed earlier but I feel so fortunate to have been able to work with her and would not hesitate to recommend her services to people who are constantly revictimized by the judicial system and pressured to believe it is fair.” - C. Garcia, Victim Rights Client
“Rachel was wonderful and realistic. She really made me feel like I had someone finally in my corner.” - Dalia P. Victim Rights Client
“Rachel was a blessing. She really made me feel heard.” - D. Lozano Victim Rights Client
“I felt Rachel was empathetic, understanding, yet gave me confidence I had not experienced before. Her demeanor inspired hope other attorneys had always discouraged. I felt totally understood in my experience. She knew exactly the issues and setbacks victims face in the legal system, yet instilled confidence to over come them.” - A. Dailey, Victim Rights Client
“I think the idea of a Legal Concierge is amazing. Besides her understanding of law and the courts . . . in my experience, Rachel HEARS me. She gets it. She gets my fears and concerns, and she helps me understand the legal experience which is extremely stressful and unfamiliar. She is a guide through the process informing and helping me understand what is going on and she guided me to get what it is that I wanted. Rachel is so supportive and kind. She is empathetic and yet, is aware of keeping things separate enough so that she doesn’t get drawn into the drama. That’s rare in any profession and in one that causes so much stress in your clients, it is crucial to being an excellent lawyer.” - K. Kaelin, Legal Concierge Client