Diego's Story

Diego, who is 19 and identifies as Mexican American, was participating in a Día de los Muertos celebration with three of his siblings when someone drove their car into the people gathered at one end of the public festivities. Diego was seriously injured, as was one of his sisters, when they were hit by the car. During his hospital stay while receiving medical treatment, Diego spoke with law enforcement officers and provided his name and contact information, along with details about the hate-filled language the driver was screaming both before the car entered the crowd and after the vehicle came to a stop. Diego told the officers that he was happy to provide them with any more information they needed and asked to be kept updated about the investigation. Diego, who was unemployed and uninsured at the time he was injured, received a bill for tens of thousands of dollars for the medical treatment he received after he was hit by the car. Months went by, and Diego learned that no charges would be brought against the driver of the car after a friend saw a story about the incident on the local news. Diego was upset when he learned that the driver would not face any criminal charges, especially since Diego is still making monthly payments on the medical bills he incurred.

Through some online searches, Diego learns about hate and bias crimes and decides to submit questions about his rights through the Victims' Rights Advice website. Diego submits his questions and, in response, a volunteer attorney provides him with information about victims’ rights, including his rights to notice of and to be heard at certain court proceedings and his right to apply for financial assistance through the state’s victim compensation program. Diego decides to submit an application for victim compensation funds and also decides to seek additional legal help to learn more about his other rights and options.