what kind of lawyer do you need for sexual assailt

Full Answer

Do you need a lawyer for sexual abuse?

... Victim of Sexual Abuse? You've come to the right place. If you are a victim of unlawful sexual conduct -- including rape, molestation, clergy abuse, and unwanted sexual touching -- you should speak with a sexual abuse lawyer today.

What can a sexual harassment lawyer do for me?

A sexual harassment lawyer can help you understand whether what you've experienced is sexual harassment, and if you need to file a lawsuit. Sexual harassment can include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, the promise of rewards for sex, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.

What do lawyer specialize in?

Lawyers can provide a wide range of services to their clients. Some lawyers handle many different types of cases. Some lawyers specialize in one or two types, such as family and divorce law. What is Criminal Law? What Do Criminal Lawyers Do?

When do you need a criminal lawyer?

These lawyers can be hired by the defendant or appointed by the court to represent the defendant. In serious cases, where punishments are more severe, a criminal lawyer is highly recommended, even necessary.

What type of evidence is needed in a sexual assault case?

The evidence most often encountered in sexual assault cases includes not only biological evidence (e.g., semen) but also fingerprints, impression evidence (e.g., shoeprints), and trace evidence (e.g., hairs/fibers). Collect as much sample as possible from a single source.

Is sexual assault a major crime?

Importance of Legal Representation A sex crime—particularly sexual assault, rape, or criminal sexual penetration—is a very serious charge. A conviction for rape or even misdemeanor sexual battery can seriously impact your life. You could face a lengthy prison sentence and the stigma of being a convicted felon.

Who defends sexual assault victims?

This is a specific area of law and one that requires a lawyer with experience handling these types of delicate and personal cases. While the police focus on the criminal aspects of your case, you need an injury attorney on your side that can offer compassionate legal guidance and support at every turn.

How are sexual abuse cases handled?

Many sexual assault cases are resolved through a plea bargain. A plea bargain an agreement between the prosecutor and perpetrator's representative, in which the perpetrator agrees to plead guilty to a crime in return for a reduction in penalty, such as a lighter sentence.

What is sexual assault 1st Degree?

A person is guilty of first degree sexual assault if he or she engages in sexual penetration with another person, and if any of the following circumstances exist: (1) The accused knows or has reason to know that the victim is mentally incapacitated, mentally disabled, or physically helpless.

What to do when someone is trying to frame you?

If you find yourself framed for a crime, here are 5 things that you can do to fight back for a good outcome in court:Dig Deeper. ... Bring Witnesses to Court. ... Think about the Rules of Evidence. ... Try for a Pre-Trial Conference. ... Choose Your Jury Carefully.

Who deals with sexual assault cases?

You have several options for reporting sexual assault:Call 911. If you are in immediate danger, dial 911. ... Contact the local police department. Call the direct line of your local police station or visit the station in person. ... Visit a medical center.

What is it called when someone is raped with an object?

Rape is technically defined as forced penetration (with any body part or object) including anal, vaginal or oral intercourse.

Is sexual coercion a crime?

Is sexual coercion a crime? There is a fine line between coerced sex and sexual assault. Any sexual activity that occurs without consent or using physical force is sexual assault and is a crime.

What are the hardest cases to prosecute?

With the recent headlines of sexual assault allegations, many are asking why these cases are so difficult to prosecute. Compared to other criminal cases, date rape charges are among the hardest to prosecute, and not for lack of caring by the legal industry.

Is a forensic interview enough to convict?

What this means is that in California the testimony of “one witness alone” is sufficient to support a criminal conviction for any offense.

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.

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.

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 are the recoverable damages in a sexual assault case?

Some of the types of recoverable damages in a sexual assault civil lawsuit may include: Medical care costs. Therapy expenses.

Can you file a civil lawsuit for sexual assault?

You may be able to file a sexual assault civil lawsuit to recover for the physical and psychological harm you endured. This may be true regardless of the outcome of a criminal case, or even in cases where the individual did not face criminal charges.

1. Experience With the Law

The main reason you want to find a lawyer who specializes in sexual assault is that you need someone who understands the legal proceedings around filing and trying a sexual assault case. You don’t want the perpetrator to get away with the crime, so you need a lawyer who’s tried this type of case before.

2. Investigation

Most sexual assault cases are going to require some investigation. It’s likely that the perpetrator will deny the charges against them, so you’ll need to secure evidence that proves your case.

3. No Criminal Conviction Required

Even if the perpetrator in your case has not been convicted, you may be able to sue them in civil court for financial damages. Of course, a criminal conviction definitely provides powerful evidence in a civil case, but claims have been won without convictions as well.

4. Additional Liability

You may not realize that the perpetrator of the sexual assault crime against you or your loved one may not represent the only liability in your case. In some instances, there may be other entities that are responsible for your injuries as well.

5. Value of Your Case

As with determining who has liability in your case, calculating the value of your case can also be complicated. Of course, there are the actual medical bills you’ve incurred as a result of your injuries, but there are also additional economic losses your lawyer will consider when setting the compensation amount you’ll seek in your lawsuit.

6. On Your Side

When you hire a lawyer who specializes in sexual assault cases, you’re also gaining an entire support network and someone who will fight relentlessly on your behalf. You need someone on your side to battle insurance companies and any other entity that stands in your way of getting justice for your assault.

7. Reduce Stress

You’re not going to be able to immediately eliminate all the stress related to your sexual assault case, but by handing over the legal aspects of the situation to an experienced lawyer you can focus on what you need to do to heal from the assault.

What can a sexual harassment lawyer do?

A sexual harassment lawyer can help you understand whether what you've experienced is sexual harassment, and if you need to file a lawsuit. Sexual harassment can include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, the promise of rewards for sex, and other verbal or physical harassment ...

What to do if you have been a victim of sexual harassment?

If you've been a victim of sexual harassment, there are certain steps you need to take to protect yourself legally; an experienced sexual harassment attorney will advise you of your rights and what actions you can take.

Where does sexual harassment take place?

Sexual harassment can take place anywhere: in public, at school, at work, or even at home. For example, you may feel you were fired for refusing to go on a date with your boss, or had a teacher or manager touch you inappropriately at school or work.

What kind of services do lawyers provide?

Lawyers can provide a wide range of services to their clients. Some lawyers handle many different types of cases. Some lawyers specialize in one or two types, such as family and divorce law.

Why do you need a lawyer for a contract?

Even in transactional civil matters, such as drafting a contract, a lawyer can be very helpful. A lawyer can make sure contracts are drafted correctly and avoid problems at a later date. A real estate purchase, business purchase, and/or creation of a trademark or copyright will most likely involve a lawyer.

What is family law?

Family law is law that involves family matters. These matters can include marriage, divorce, adoption, child support, custody and establishing parentage. In most cases, marriages do not require a lawyer but a prenuptial agreement should be reviewed by a lawyer.

What is a lawyer?

A lawyer is an individual who is licensed to practice law in a state. Lawyers are also known as attorneys or an attorney at law. Some lawyers are licensed in multiple states. Some lawyers are admitted to practice at the Federal level as well.

Why is it important to have a family lawyer?

It is important in divorce cases for an individual to have a family lawyer representing them to ensure their rights are protected.

What is criminal law?

Criminal law is the body of laws that pertain to crimes. Crimes are actions or behaviors prohibited by state or federal laws. Crimes are punishable by fines, probation, and/or imprisonment. Usually, crimes are categorized as misdemeanors or felonies.

Do lawyers handle different types of cases?

There are many different types of lawyers that handle many different types of cases. Some cases may even overlap practice areas. Most lawyers have experience with a variety of cases and will be able to help you with your needs. Despite the prevalence of “lawyer jokes”, lawyers are service oriented and look out for the best interest of their clients.