Sexual assault is considered a serious crime that may impose lifelong challenges and consequences for both the assailant and the victim. Sexual assault may create a negative stigma for the accused which is worse than any other crime. In San Antonio, an accusation of sexual assault could result in steep fines, negative effects on your relationship or career, prison time, and registration as a sex offender.
However, the victim suffers the most in the aftermath of sexual assault. They may feel embarrassed, ashamed, and like they did something wrong. Many victims do not report the crime because they are worried about how people will react or what will happen to them.
A lawyer can help victims fight against sexual assault, and can provide support and advice throughout the legal process. If you have been a victim of a sex offense then you should consult an experienced sexual assault lawyer who possesses the expertise in handling such types of cases.
A lawyer will represent your case in court and will also fight to protect you from serious sexual offenses imposed on you. They can also help you receive compensation for your injuries.
Types of Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is a broad category that can be segregated into various sex crimes. As per the annual Texas Crime Report released by the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Uniform Crime Reporting Bureau, there are 6 fundamental types of sexual assaults. In the year 2019, the estimated rates of sexual assault crimes in Texas were as follows:
- 0% cases were reported under Section 22.011 Sexual Assault.
- 0% of cases were reported as Indecency with a Child by Contact under Section 21.11(a)(1).
- 2% of cases were reported as Aggravated Sexual Assault under Section 21.11(a)(2).
- 8% of cases were reported as Indecency with a Child by Contact under Section 21.11(a)(2).
- 2% of cases were reported as Continuous Sexual Abuse of Young Child or Children under Section 21.02.
- 8% of cases were reported as Sexual Performance by a Child under Section 43.25.
If you have been affected by any of these crimes, seek advice from one of the competent San Antonio Injury Lawyers who will be there to guide you and give you a clear understanding of the sexual assault laws prevailing in San Antonio.
How San Antonio Laws Will Help A Sexual Assault Victim?
A sexual assault lawyer in San Antonio will investigate the case completely by finding out who, if anyone, was negligent in some way and how it all happened. As per the Texas Family Code, there are many types of professionals such as child care workers, doctors, teachers, and nurses who are required to report a sexual abuse case within 2 days of becoming suspicious of the abuse.
If any of these professionals failed to report the act and a person again became a victim of a sexual assault, the professionals may have some liability. In a sexual assault case, various parties will be held liable. The victims have the right to file a civil case against the assailant based on various charges including negligence, defamation, emotional distress, and invasion of privacy.
The State may also file criminal charges for sexual assault against the perpetrator which can result in steep fines or prison time. Victims are eligible for compensation under various circumstances such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of earnings, and rehabilitation expenses.
No sexual assault victim should go through the legal process alone. They should have a capable lawyer on their side who can communicate with them about everything. An attorney will be there to discuss with the victim all the civil legal remedies available against those who were responsible for the sexual assault.
Seeking advice from a prominent lawyer will be great as they will fight for your rights, take a stand for you against the abusers, and help you get compensation. The overall lawsuit process is not an easy one. There will be many legal and procedural hurdles that a victim will have to go through, but the victim who faced sexual assaults must get justice. To get justice, they need the assistance and guidance of a competent legal professional.
A lawyer will not only seek justice but will also hold accountable any officials who failed to do their duty that would have prevented the sexual assault from happening. If a lawyer proves that someone knew that the assault might happen and kept it a secret then he or she will also be held responsible.
If you were a victim of sexual assault, it may take time to return to your normal life. However, bringing justice may help you to fight back and feel empowered. An attorney will be able to handle the rigorous legal process so that you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track.
