do i need a lawyer when question about a sexual assult.

by Miss Maudie Anderson III 10 min read

A person who expects to be charged with criminal sexual assault most definitely wants to consult an experienced sexual assault defense lawyer. Sexual assault is potentially a serious crime in every state. If a person is convicted, they may face from a few months to many years in prison, depending on the severity of the charge.

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Why hire a Lerners lawyer for sexual assault?

Oct 19, 2021 · If you need a trusted and experienced sexual assault lawyer, Randy and his team are waiting by the phone to help you. To schedule an initial and confidential consultation, call us at 801-535-4645 , or fill out our secure online form .

Should I talk to the police about a sexual assault?

In 2013, 300,165 people were victimized by rape or sexual assault. In 2017, that number was 393,979. Our sexual assault attorneys at Morgan & Morgan are committed to serving the needs of those who have suffered through a sexual assault or rape. If you have been a victim of sexual assault, fill out this free case evaluation today. FAQs

What should I do if I Witness a sexual assault?

May 06, 2021 · A person who expects to be charged with criminal sexual assault most definitely wants to consult an experienced sexual assault defense lawyer. Sexual assault is potentially a serious crime in every state. If a person is convicted, they may face from a few months to many years in prison, depending on the severity of the charge.

Why don’t others report sexual assault?

This is important: if you have been the victim of a rape or sexual assault, the lawyer in charge of the criminal case against your attacker (the “prosecutor” or “solicitor”) is not your lawyer. Prosecutors work for the government, not for you, even …

Why don't people report sexual assaults?

Many people may not report a sexual assault because they don’t believe that what happened to them is an assault in the eyes of the law or they think the authorities won’t believe them. Others may not report a sexual assault because they are afraid of public scrutiny.

What is sexual assault?

First, sexual assault means any nonconsensual act that is defined by federal, state, or tribal law, even if the victim cannot consent to the sexual activity. Rape and sexual assault are rarely crimes of passion. They are about gaining control over the victim.

Is sexual assault a civil or criminal charge?

Criminal and Civil Claims. While sexual assault is a crime, the burden of proof in criminal court is high. The assault must be proved without a reasonable doubt. However, this crime may also be prosecuted in civil court.

Is it the victim's fault that they were raped?

The most important thing you should know is that it is never the victim’s fault that they were sexually assaulted or raped. Our sexual assault lawyers understand that keeping your case as confidential as possible is necessary.

Can you sue your spouse for sexual assault?

Additionally, if you were sexually assaulted, this may have an effect on your spouse. You may be able to sue on behalf of a spouse who suffers from anger, loss of sexual intimacy, fear, and resentment. These feelings cause a rift in your marriage and could even destroy the relationship.

What is sexual assault?

Sexual assault is any sexual activity that occurs without clear consent from both parties. Sexual assault is a crime in every state. Sexual assault laws also forbid sexual activity with a person who is incapable of consent. People who are mentally ill, under the age of 18, or intoxicated are considered unable to consent.

How long do you go to jail for sexual assault?

Sexual assault is potentially a serious crime in every state. If a person is convicted, they may face from a few months to many years in prison, depending on the severity of the charge.

How can a defendant defeat the prosecution?

One way is to attack the prosecution’s evidence, so that the prosecution fails to prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.

What is the standard of proof in a civil case?

The standard of proof is different; in a civil lawsuit the standard is that it is more likely than not that the assault happened as claimed by the plaintiff. This is considered to be a lighter burden than the burden the prosecutor has in a criminal case.

How long does a sex offender stay in jail?

The registered status can last for years, and possibly for a lifetime.

What is considered unable to consent?

People who are mentally ill, under the age of 18, or intoxicated are considered unable to consent. There are many activities that fall under sexual assault, such as, rape, molestation, forced sodomy, and incest.

Why did the prosecution's eye witness not see the crime?

For example, the defense might show that the prosecution’s eye witness really did not see the crime as well as the prosecution claims, because the location was dark and the witness far away from the actual scene.

What is the number to call for sexual assault?

If you do not feel comfortable talking to friends or family, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE for anonymous support, operated by RAINN . Some survivors choose to move forward with reporting as a means of closure, to help begin the process of healing.

What does it mean when a jury has reasonable doubt?

In criminal court, that means if the defense gives evidence that makes the jury have any reasonable doubt, they have to rule for the defendant. In civil court, there can be some doubt, so long as all of the evidence together makes it more likely than not that the rape or sexual assault occurred.

What is consent in rape?

What is “consent” in the context of sexual assault or rape? Consent is when someone agrees, gives permission, or says “yes” to sexual contact. To be given, each person must feel free to say “yes,” “no,” or “stop” at any point. Consent can be taken back – you can say yes at first, and then change your mind. You can say yes one day, and then say no ...

How long can a 21 year old be in jail?

If they are 21 or older, then they may be imprisoned for between 10 and 20 years. Statutory rape can result in either criminal charges or civil claims or both. There are other criminal charges relating to sexual misconduct that do not involve “force” or “carnal knowledge.”. Those are:

Is a prosecutor a lawyer?

This is important: if you have been the victim of a rape or sexual assault, the lawyer in charge of the criminal case against your attacker (the “prosecutor” or “solicitor”) is not your lawyer. Prosecutors work for the government, not for you, even though they are doing a job that may help you.

Is rape a civil case?

In civil court, “Sexual Assault” is a broader term used in civil cases for all nonconsensual sexual touching. So “rape” is a sexual assault, but not all sexual assaults meet the legal definition of “rape.”. Sexual assault claims in civil court are often referred to as “assault” and “battery” claims.

Is silence consent?

A person’s silence is not consent. Alcohol use or consumption of drugs can make someone incapable of giving consent. The Rape, Abuse & Incent National Network (RAINN) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. They provide a helpful article about what consent looks like in real life.

How do I get help for sexual assault?

Where can I get help? In an emergency, call 911. For counseling, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline for free counseling, 24 hours a day: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). The call is anonymous and confidential unless you choose to share personally identifying information.

What percentage of survivors are assaulted?

According to Bureau of Justice statistics, 60 percent of survivors are assaulted by an intimate partner, relative, friend, or acquaintance. This rate is even higher for women who were assaulted or raped in college. Read more at Safe Horizon.

What is consent in sexual activity?

Sexual activity requires consent, which is defined as clear, unambiguous, and voluntary agreement between the participants to engage in specific sexual or nonsexual activity. Consent is an enthusiastic, clearly communicated and ongoing yes. Consent is a clear “yes” to your partner, not the absence of a “no.”.

How many people have been raped before 18?

Rape and sexual assault can happen at any time. However: Most victims of rape and sexual assault are females younger than 24. Forty-two percent have been raped before age 18. As for guys, researchers estimate that 1 in 6 men experience unwanted or abusive sexual contact before age 18. I’ve been assaulted.

How many men are raped in their lifetime?

One in 71 men are raped in their lifetime. This adds up to 1.6 million men. As for sexual assault: It’s estimated that one in four women and one in six men experience an unwanted sexual experience in their lives.

Is sexual assault a crime?

It’s a specific type of sexual assault. It involves any forced, manipulated, or coerced penetration of the vagina, anus, or mouth by a penis or other object. It is not a crime of passion. It’s a crime of violence—often used to scare or degrade the victim.

Why do lawyers take the accusations lightly?

This is because they often take the accusations lightly. Their innocence tends to blind them from seeing the imminent danger. With such an attitude, they often prison without knowing it. Eventually, the lawyers will have a hard time proving your innocence.

What does a good attorney look for in a case?

A good attorney will look at every angle and collect all the evidence without living any behind. These include text messages, call logs, and anything to prove you are being accused falsely. This is the only way you will be able to prove that you are not the perpetrator.

How do plea deals reduce sentences?

Most plea deals tend to reduce your sentence. No matter how good the plea deal is, try and avoid it as much as possible. Any great lawyer will tell you to keep off the plea deal and take your chances. You might end up taking a plea deal, and yet you would have won the case.

What to say when accusing someone of a crime?

Many clients usually say ‘If I just have a few words with the accuser, I may save myself.’ We have never seen that turn out well. Once you are accused, such thoughts should be discarded from your mind immediately. Having any contact with your accuser can make matters worse than they are. By doing that, you will be helping the complainant to build a strong case.

What to say when arrested in court?

During your arrest, the police will read your rights as they handcuff you. The only phrase to pay attention to is ‘You have the right to remain silent.’ As lawyers, we always advise our clients to make use of that rightfully. Keep your mouth completely shut. This is because anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of law.

How to avoid making matters worse?

This is because anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of law. To avoid making matters worse, simply ask for a lawyer. So far, those are the only words you should utter. Exercising this right will give us an easy time when dealing with the case.

Do lawyers know which stones to turn?

They tend to know which stones to turn and which ones not to. They will also know if you are too incriminated for them to take a deal. Any move your lawyer takes will be critical to the case. Those are just some of the benefits of a good lawyer when being falsely accused. There are quite many more.

Consult with a Lerners Sexual Assault Lawyer

Sexual assault and sexual abuse is devastating. Your Lerners Sexual Assault Lawyer will stand along side you and guide you from the first call through to the final resolution of your case.

Lerners Lawyers Commitment to Every Survivor

Sexual assault and Sexual abuse leaves long-lasting scars. Often the abuse is perpetrated by someone close–someone trusted–someone in a position that seems to have authority or control.

What is considered sexual assault in Canada?

Canada’s Criminal Code has no specific “rape” provision. Instead, it defines assault and provides for a specific punishment for “sexual assault.” In defining “assault,” the Code includes physical contact and threats.

Do I need a lawyer if I am a survivor of a sexual assault or abuse?

Sexual assault or abuse is not merely a criminal matter. It causes long-lasting physical and emotional damage. Your quality of life suffers, your education and work are compromised, your relationships are negatively impacted, and you’re likely to need long-term counseling and therapy to heal.

Why You Need a Lerners Lawyer to Advocate Your Sexual Assault Claim

If you or a loved one has suffered a sexual assault or an incident of Sexual abuse, Lerners Personal Injury Lawyers can help in a variety of important ways. Our caring and qualified lawyers have a wealth of successful trial experience and a proven track record of helping survivors of physical and sexual assault.