Being molested by someone is a very painful experience no one should ever endure. That said, if you have already been victimized in this way, you should at least know that you have legal options.
Learn more by reviewing your case with a Santa Monica molestation victim attorney at Okabe & Haushalter. We are prepared to help you ensure justice is served.
You have two options from which to choose when taking legal action against someone who has molested you. In California, victims can pursue criminal charges, while still having the option of filing civil charges even if they choose not to file formal criminal charges.
Understanding the best way to proceed in these circumstances can be challenging. At Okabe & Haushalter, a Santa Monica molestation victim lawyer will gladly discuss this topic in greater detail during your initial consultation, answering any questions you may have.
Discussing your options with the experts at a Santa Monica molestation victims’ law firm may be the best way to learn more about the difference between filing criminal charges and filing civil charges. However, this brief overview will provide some valuable information to help you begin making a decision between the two.
In a criminal court, the goal is to determine if someone who has been accused of a crime is genuinely guilty. If they are found guilty, the judge will sentence the convicted party, determining which penalties are appropriate based on the relevant section(s) of the penal code.
Taking someone to civil court involves attempting to prove that you sustained compensable losses (such as injuries requiring medical treatment, pain and suffering, etc.) due to their negligence or malicious actions. You may be awarded damages in the form of monetary compensation if you win your case in civil court.
Filing civil charges against someone who has molested you can be a wise decision for a number of reasons.
Again, after your experience, you might have required medical treatment. Along with treatment for injuries you could have sustained as a result of being sexually molested, you may have also needed therapy to help you cope with the mental and emotional difficulties one can face in the aftermath of trauma.
Filing a civil suit against your abuser gives you the opportunity to pursue financial compensation for these losses. While no amount of money can change the past, to a considerable degree, financial compensation can help you get your life back on track after a painful event.
Your odds of holding someone who molested you accountable in civil court will be much greater if you have assistance from legal professionals qualified to help you build a strong case. That’s exactly what you will find at Okabe & Haushalter. To learn more about what our Santa Monica molestation victim attorneys can do for you, contact us online or call us at 310-430-7799 and schedule your consultation.
