Skilled Molestation Attorneys In San Francisco, California
After decades of silence, we are finally acknowledging the prevalent sexual abuse of children and adults, and holding the responsible parties accountable. This is thanks to the many survivors of molestation who have come forward in California and around the country to tell their stories and stop the abuse. Here at Winer, Burritt & Scott, our San Francisco molestation lawyers want to send a loud and clear message to those who have sexually abused and assaulted vulnerable individuals: no more!
All across the country, survivors and their legal representatives are working diligently to hold perpetrators of sexual abuse accountable for the harm they cause. By insisting that they compensate their victims, we help survivors move forward and help protect others from becoming victims.
We Hold Molesters Accountable For Their Actions
Our skilled team of San Francisco molestation lawyers at Winer, Burritt & Scott has successfully won cases against large organizations and institutions alike. We aggressively litigate these molesters so they can no longer perpetuate abuse or turn a blind eye to one their employees engaging in abusive behavior. If there are other people who knew about these incidents but didn’t take action then too late now because we will fight until justice prevails—and our team can help make sure that happens successfully through litigation against molesters
How Molestation Is Defined In California
Molestation, under California Penal Code 288, is any touching of the body in a sexual manner. It does not have to involve a sexual organ or even be on naked skin. Child molestation can involve numerous types of inappropriate behavior toward a child, including touching, kissing, or making sexual comments.
In addition, California Penal Code 243.4 prohibits sexual battery or any unwanted sexual touching. A conviction can result in criminal charges and penalties ranging from a misdemeanor to a felony.
How Criminal And Civil Cases Differ
While molestation is a criminal act and can lead to the criminal prosecution and even incarceration of the molester, that individual and the organizations or institutions that allowed the behavior to continue can also be held accountable in a civil lawsuit.
There are some key differences in the way criminal and civil cases are brought, who pursue the accused, and how the defendant is punished. In a criminal case, the defendant will face criminal charges and punishment. The prosecuting attorney for the government will bring charges and argue the case against the defendant. A judge or jury will decide the guilt of the defendant and, if they are convicted, they will face punishment in the way of jail time, fines, and registration for life as a sex offender.
A civil lawsuit allows the victim or their family to bring the lawsuit against the accused through their San Francisco molestation lawyer. A civil lawsuit allows the victim to be financially compensated for the harm they suffered. While most civil cases are settled out of court, if this is impossible, it may be litigated in court. A judge or jury will award compensation to the victim based on his or her losses.
How can San Francisco molestation lawyers assist victims of sexual assault?
Although sexual abuse and molestation share a common theme of unwanted sexual contact, there is a distinction between the two terms. Unwanted sexual advances and molestation of any kind can constitute sexual assault, and victims of these acts may have questions or doubts about their case. Our San Francisco molestation lawyers are available to answer your inquiries.
Examples of sexual assault include attempted rape, forcible sodomy, forced sexual intercourse, incest, fondling, and molesting children. Unfortunately, many victims of sexual assault do not report their experiences due to fear of not being believed, concerns about being taken seriously, discomfort in dealing with the situation, overwhelming embarrassment, denial about the event, and fear of retaliation by the abuser.
Survivors of sexual assault are entitled to justice, and those responsible for these crimes will be held accountable for their actions. If you need assistance with your case, don’t hesitate to contact Winer, Burriett & Scott, LLP today.
Other Parties Can Also Be Held Liable
While a civil lawsuit is commonly brought against the abuser, a suit may also be brought against other parties or institutions that failed to keep the victim safe. Many incidents of molestation take place in institutions or through organizations that should have protected the victim, including youth and sports organizations, churches, daycare facilities, and schools.
A victim may have a claim against another party, institution, or organization that employed or allowed the molestation to occur and continue.
“WB&S have successfully filed and won cases against organizations and entities such as religious institutions, school districts, youth groups, medical professionals, athletic leagues, more. Our San Francisco molestation attorney is skilled in litigating your abuse case against these organizations and their insurance carriers.
Reporting The Incident Is Critical
While there are many legal tools available to victims of molestation, reporting the abuse is the first step necessary to hold the abuser accountable. While the criminal procedure may be difficult for the victim of the abuse, reporting the abuse to the authorities is the most important first step to hold perpetrators accountable and keep them from harming others.
Getting The Assistance Of An Experienced San Francisco Molestation Lawyer
Being the victim of child molestation can take a significant toll on a victim’s life. Fortunately, there are legal ways to hold these people accountable for what they have done. The skilled San Francisco molestation lawyers at Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP can assist victims of molestation in holding their abusers accountable for their actions and recovering compensation for the harm they have done. Call us or fill out our complimentary consultation form below.