Our sexual assault lawyers in Solana Beach, CA, are empathic professionals who instantly bond with the survivors. They do not ask about the details repeatedly for the victims to relive the assault. Furthermore, our firm keeps all the details confidential. Here is everything you need to know about sexual assault.
What do we know about sexual abuse?
Sexual abuse involves unwanted sexual behavior that does not require consent. Common examples are pressuring, forcing, influencing, and coercing the victim to receive sexual gratification. Furthermore, sexual abuse happens between partners and spouses. Family members, friends, colleagues, and strangers are the victims as well. Sexual assault lawyers in Solana Beach, CA, argue that the crime exists in physical and non-physical forms. The following scenarios constitute sexual assault.
- Firstly, the offender hugs and kisses the victim without consent.
- Secondly, the offender touches the victim unwantedly. Subsequently, the sexual activity is violent.
- Moreover, drugs, coercion, or conscious behavior are involved in sexual contact.
- Finally, the crime involves physical contact or molestation.
- Finally, sexual assault includes tape, attempt to rape, and statutory rape.
Children and adults are the targets of offenders. Also, verbal and non-verbal are the two forms of abuse. If you believe someone has violated you physically, contact our sexual assault lawyers in Solana Beach, CA, for more assistance.
The different sexual assault laws in Solana Beach, California
Sexual assault and sexual abuse are interchangeable phrases. However, the California Penal Code defines them differently, which our sexual assault lawyers in Solana Beach, CA, understand.
Sexual assault is a crime that involves the offender touching the intimate parts of the victim without their permission. At the same time, the abuser has restrained the victim against their will. As a result, the accused achieved a sexual climax. California Penal Code section 243.4 mentions the details.
On the other hand, sexual abuse is different. It means a consistent behavior involving sexual assault over a long time. Children are the majority of victims of sexual abuse.
The Penalties of Sexual Assault
If the court convicts the accused of a misdemeanor charge, the offender will spend six months in county jail. On the other hand, the same punishment for a felony conviction is one year in addition to a penalty of $2,000. However, the fine is $3,000 if the offender is an employer.
However, the court can send you to four years in prison and impose $10,000 fines for a felony conviction. Therefore, hire our sexual assault lawyers in Solana Beach, CA, who will fight for your defense and prove your innocence.
Warning Signs according to our sexual assault lawyers in Solana Beach, CA
The victim who has suffered sexual abuse will not come forward. Many victims do not report sexual assault because of shame and embarrassment. Moreover, they do not understand how to proceed forward as well. Therefore, it is up to us, the family members, or the partners to look for signs that may imply assault. Here are some of the warning signs to look for:
Physical Signs
- A sexual assailant frequently inflicts unexplained injuries on the victim.
- The victim often suffers injuries to the genitalia.
- The victim experiences pain or itching in the genital area.
- A sexual assailant may cause bruises on the victim’s upper thighs.
- Also, the victim frequently complains of an upset stomach.
- The victim struggles with trouble sleeping.
- In addition, the victim may experience a loss or increase in appetite.
- A sexual assailant often leaves the victim with a dirty or unkempt appearance.
- Moreover, the victim may have bloody undergarments.
- The victim frequently suffers from urinary tract infections.
- Finally, the victim might contract sexually transmitted diseases.
- Teen pregnancy is a possible consequence for the victim.
- The victim may show signs of self-harm.
Mental or Emotional Signs
- The assault has depressed the victim.
- Anxiety is a common mental sign in the victim.
- Thirdly, the victim frequently exhibits symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
- The victim often feels fear, guilt, or shame.
- In addition, the victim commonly displays anger or rage.
- The victim may have frequent outbursts and mood swings.
- Moreover, the victim often suffers from low self-esteem.
- Suicidal thoughts or feelings may occur in the victim.
Behavioral Indicators
- Firstly, the victim uses drugs, alcohol, and other forms of intoxication.
- Secondly, the victim’s performance in school has become disappointing.
- The victim stays away from everyone.
- The victim does not participate in their favorite hobbies anymore.
- In addition, the victim fears specific people and places
- Moreover, the victim wets their bed while sleeping.
- Furthermore, the victim has additional knowledge of sexual matters.
Our sexual assault lawyers in Solana Beach, CA, insist you must look for indicators in the offender as well. An abuser usually prefers young victims so they can groom the target to their liking. The abuser will buy toys for the child. In addition, they will gift valuable items to the adult victims. The involvement of alcohol and drugs is a possibility. Finally, the abuser will convince the victim to reduce or stop contacting their family, friends, and loved ones.
Sexual Assault Time barred guidelines
California also practices a time limit. The law calls the restriction statute of limitations. If the time limit has passed, the court will not grant you financial restitution. However, the time barred laws have recently changed in the state.
According to our sexual assault lawyers in Solana Beach, CA, the new law has increased the deadline for victims under less than 18 years of age. As a result, you can file for sexual abuse until your 40th birthday. Moreover, you can file for damages within five years of discovering the abuse is causing your emotional well-being to deteriorate.
The California Code of Civil Procedure Section 340.16 empowers adult victims who are more than 19 years of age to seek justice ten years from the date of the assault. Contact our sexual assault lawyers in Solana Beach, CA, to begin the paperwork.
Hire our sexual assault lawyers in Solana Beach, CA
The first meeting with our sexual assault lawyers in Solana Beach, CA, does not carry obligations or financial dues. You can have an honest discussion about how the lawyers will proceed with your case after examining the evidence. Contact us today.