Atlanta Sexual Abuse Lawyer
If you or a loved one is the victim of sexual abuse or sexual assault, you should contact an experienced and compassionate lawyer right away. Anytime someone goes through a difficult experience like this, it can be absolutely devastating and have lasting effects – for both the victim and their family members. While it’s essential to deal with the emotional and psychological impact of sexual abuse, it’s also important to ensure that the appropriate person is held accountable legally.
All of the attorneys at Williams Oinonen LLC are compassionate and experienced in dealing with sexual abuse cases. Unlike at a larger law firm, we only take on cases if we know we can give our clients all of the time and energy they deserve. We will always keep you updated about your case. We will do everything in our power to ensure that you and your family get the justice you deserve. Contact an Atlanta sexual abuse lawyer today for a consultation by filling out our online form or calling (404) 654-0288.
Why You Should Contact an Attorney at Williams Oinonen LLC
While you may not immediately be concerned with filing civil charges if you or a loved one has recently been the victim of sexual assault, it’s a good idea to keep this in mind as an option. Criminal charges can be filed, but many sexual assault and sexual abuse cases are challenging to prove at the criminal level. The burden of proof is beyond a reasonable doubt, and it can often be difficult because many of these cases end up being he said/she said. The burden of proof in a civil case is much less, and easier to prove, so you’re generally more likely to end up with a favorable result in court. For this reason, it’s a good idea to consider contacting an attorney regarding a civil case in order to hold the abuser accountable.
Sexual Assault Laws in Georgia
In order to determine if you have a sexual assault claim, it’s important to understand the laws in Georgia. It’s also in your best interest to have a consultation with an experienced attorney, but knowing some information before you go into that consultation can be helpful. There are several different sexual assault laws in Georgia, but state law generally defines sexual assault as any unwanted or non-consensual activity, with or without force. While the sexual assault laws relate to criminal offenses, they can also give rise to civil cases.
Sexual Assault by Persons With Supervisory or Disciplinary Authority
In Georgia, it is illegal and considered sexual assault for a person in a supervisory or disciplinary authority to have sexual contact with a patient/student/individual they have authority over. This includes teachers, psychotherapists, doctors, corrections officers, and other professionals. Consent is not a defense, so it doesn’t matter if the victim allegedly agreed to the sexual activity. It is still considered sexual assault in Georgia.
Sexual Battery
Sexual battery is defined as one person intentionally making unwanted physical contact with someone else’s “intimate parts,” for example, the genitals, groin, inner thigh, buttocks, or breasts.
Aggravated Sexual Battery
Aggravated sexual battery is the intentional penetration of a “sexual organ” with a foreign object without the other person’s consent.
Child Molestation
A person is guilty of child molestation when they commit “any immoral or indecent act to or in the presence of or with any child under the age of 16 years with the intent to arouse or satisfy the sexual desires of either the child or the person,” or “transmits images of a person engaging in, inducing, or otherwise participating in any immoral or indecent act to a child under the age of 16 years with the intent to arouse or satisfy the sexual desires of either the child or the person.”
Georgia’s Romeo and Juliet Laws
There are also statutory sexual assault laws in Georgia, which apply when the sexual act is consensual, but the victim is of a certain age where they might be considered too young to consent. If the victim is between the ages of 14 and 16 years old, and the defendant is 18 years old or younger and no more than four years older than the victim, the accused can still be prosecuted, though they would likely only face misdemeanor charges.
Corroborating Evidence Can Help
Anytime you bring a civil case relating to sexual assault, it’s helpful to have corroborating evidence other than a victim’s testimony. This can include medical evidence, such as hospital records showing injuries or evidence showing that a doctor collected blood, semen, or hairs from the victim’s clothing or body. Mental health evidence can also be helpful. This often includes statements from a psychologist or psychiatrist who treated the victim after the assault occurred and who is experienced in identifying signs of sexual abuse.
Statute of Limitations
The Statute of Limitations establishes a time limit within which a lawsuit can be filed. Time limits on sexual abuse cases can vary greatly depending on the facts of the case, however. If you or a loved one are a survivor of sexual abuse, it is best that you speak with an attorney as soon as you are ready. An attorney will understand the applicable case law and help you move forward.
Contact an Atlanta Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Dealing with a civil case after you or a loved one has been sexually assaulted or abused may not be your first priority. We understand the trauma that can result from an assault. However, you may be entitled to compensation and other legal remedies that can help you in the healing process. If you decide to contact an attorney to file a civil case, it’s important that your lawyer is compassionate, trustworthy, dedicated, and has experience handling these types of sensitive cases. Not only will these characteristics help you, but it will also be necessary so your lawyer can explain the case and the consequences of what happened to the judge or jury. The Atlanta sexual abuse attorneys at Williams Oinonen LLC have experience handling these cases and can effectively communicate the lasting effects to the court. Contact us today for a consultation by filling out our online form or calling (404) 654-0288.