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Are You The Victim of a Sexual Assault or Rape in New York?

If you have been sexually assaulted in New York – whether it be at the hands of a loved one, an acquaintance or a stranger – navigating the New York criminal and civil court systems can be difficult.  Considering what you’ve already been through, dealing with red tape and rushed prosecutors does not exactly make your struggle any easier.  As the best New York sexual assault victim lawyers know, there are a number of things you need do right away – and other things you need to think about going forward.

If You Have Been Sexually Assaulted Or Raped

First, get to a safe area and either call 911 or contact the police.  You should clearly and carefully tell them what occurred to you and provide all necessary information to the officers so that an arrest can be made if that is what you wish.  If necessary, you should get to a hospital and have your injuries treated and evidence collected.  Do not change your clothes or shower before going to the hospital as physical evidence will need to be collected.

At this point, as a victim you can get involved with the prosecution of your attacker.  You can have input on restraining and protective orders, bail, plea bargains and the trial and even the sentencing and conditions of the defendant’s release.  At first, though, you will be contacted by either a detective from a sex crimes unit or a prosecutor to discuss your case.  Ultimately, that prosecutor will work with you from the arrest to the resolution of the case.  Victim service agencies which provide counseling and other services are available to victims of sexual assault and other crimes.

If You Are the Victim of a Sexual Assault Or a Rape, Do You Need An Attorney?

In short, you very well might need a lawyer to guide you though the system after you have been the victim of domestic violence or a sexual assault or rape, whether it be at the hands of a loved one, an acquaintance, a co-worker or a stranger.  Prosecutors are often overwhelmed with cases and yours may not be on the top of their list when you call with questions.  A private attorney can help fill the void in dealing with the prosecutors and the courts and act as your advocate on issues of protective orders, the direction of your case and plea bargains.

In addition, you may decide you wish to seek financial compensation from your attacker.  While certain victim assistance programs may reimburse you for lost wages, expenses caused by your attacker and some medical expenses, you will need to hire a top New York litigator in order to be compensated for mental anguish, pain and suffering and future lost wages, pain and suffering. Hiring the most experienced and aggressive attorney will allow you to get the most money you deserve and will help you navigate the criminal and civil courts of New York.  Your attacker’s lawyer will try to paint you as a liar, as someone just out for money – instead of justice.  Do not let yourself be victimized again.  Hire someone who can fight for your rights, fight for justice and make clear to your attacker that you will no longer be abused.

Call The Top New York Sexual Assault or Rape Victim Advocates and Attorneys Today

A victim of a sexual assault or rape has the right to be involved in every aspect of the defendant’s criminal case as well as seeking financial compensation in civil courts for injuries suffered.  Call the top New York civil and criminal attorneys at the Law Offices of Jeffrey Lichtman today at (212) 581-1001 for a free consultation and to get the justice you deserve.

Jeffrey Lichtman has received the highest rating (AV) from the Martindale-Hubbell Legal Directory, is recognized in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers and has also been selected as a New York City Super Lawyer for being a leader in his field of criminal defense. Mr. Lichtman has received a rating of 10.0/10 Superb rating from Avvo Lawyer Directory and was profiled in the New York Daily News, The New York Times as part of the “Public Lives” series, New York Magazine and Ozy.