Palm Springs/Palm Desert Sexual Abuse Lawyer
At Manly, Stewart & Finaldi, we compassionately represent survivors of sexual abuse and assault in Palm Springs and Palm Desert, California. We are committed to holding sex offenders and the institutions that cover up sexual abuse accountable for their wrongful acts. Find out how our sexual abuse lawyers can help you seek the justice that you deserve. Request a free, private case consultation at (800) 700-8450 today.
How Can a Lawyer Help You Prove Sexual Abuse?
If someone commits the crime of sexual abuse in California, the victim has the right to pursue two different forms of justice: criminal and civil. A civil case aims to compensate a victim while a criminal case penalizes the perpetrator. Each type has a different burden of proof. In a civil sexual abuse lawsuit, the burden of proof is a preponderance of the evidence. This means proof that the defendant was “more likely than not” responsible for the victim’s harm. In a criminal case, the burden is proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
Although the burden of proof is not as high in a civil sexual abuse case, it can still be difficult to prove a claim on your own. Luckily, you do not have to go up against your abuser or gather evidence on your own as a survivor. Hiring a lawyer allows you to focus on coping with your trauma while a professional handles the legal process for you. A lawyer can investigate your claim, preserve and collect evidence, depose witnesses, hire experts, obtain copies of vital records, and take many other steps to establish grounds for your claim.
Types of Cases We Accept
Manly, Stewart & Finaldi has been successfully litigating sexual abuse and assault lawsuits in Palm Springs, Palm Desert and throughout California for decades. Our lawyers, led by reputable victim’s advocate Attorney John Manly, have the knowledge and skill to handle any type of sexual abuse case. Our list of practice areas includes, but is not limited to:
- Child sexual abuse
- Clergy sexual abuse
- Coach sexual abuse
- College or university sexual abuse
- Cyberbullying
- Doctor sexual misconduct
- Elder sexual abuse
- Foster care sexual abuse
- Massage spa sexual abuse
- Sex crimes
- Sexual abuse in school
- Sexual harassment
- Sexual hazing
- Workplace sexual abuse
We represent clients throughout Southern California from our conveniently located law office in Irvine, California. Our mission is to help injured victims of sexual abuse enforce their legal rights and shed light on other people’s wrongdoing. We can help you go up against your abuser, an institution and anyone who concealed, ignored or enabled sexual abuse.
The Statute of Limitations on Sexual Abuse Was Recently Extended in California
If you considered taking legal action previously but were barred from doing so because of an expired statute of limitations, your right to file may have been restored with the passing of AB-218. This law extends California’s statute of limitations, giving victims of child sexual abuse until their 40th birthdays to file claims (or longer if they experienced a delayed discovery of the abuse). If you were an adult at the time of the crime, you have 10 years from the date of the incident or 3 years from the date of discovery to file.
Speak to an Attorney in Palm Springs/Palm Desert During a Confidential Consultation
We know it can be difficult to come forward and take legal action for sexual abuse in Palm Springs and Palm Desert. Our lawyers are here to make the legal process less daunting and more rewarding for you as a victim. We will do everything in our power to make your claim as efficient and effective as possible – all while protecting your rights. At Manly, Stewart & Finaldi, we are dedicated to helping sexual abuse survivors seek the closure, justice and financial compensation that they need.
Start your case with a free, private consultation. Call (800) 700-8450 or contact us online today to speak to an attorney.