Sexual Assault Attorney in Washington DC

Lady clerk sexually assaulted at work.

Everyone has the right to control their bodies and to be free of unwanted sexual contact. If someone sexually assaulted or abused you in Washington DC, the legal team at Marks & Harrison can help you hold your attacker accountable and fight on your behalf for fair compensation.

Our Washington DC sexual assault lawyers understand the sensitive nature of these cases and can protect your rights and privacy throughout the legal process. We routinely handle tough cases and have recovered millions of dollars for our clients. What we’re most proud of, though, is what our clients say about us and how we’ve helped them rebuild their lives.

When you choose our Washington DC sexual assault attorneys to represent you, you won’t owe us any fees unless and until we secure compensation for you. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation that is completely confidential and comes without any further obligations on your part.

What Defines a Sexual Assault in Washington DC?

A sexual assault is any situation where someone inflicts unwanted sexual contact on another person. Everything from unwanted touching to forced penetration of any part of the body (with or without the threat of violence or threatened use of a weapon) falls under the definition of sexual assault.

If you’re unsure whether what happened to you constitutes sexual assault, talk to our experienced Washington DC sexual assault lawyers. We’ll listen to your account of what occurred and advise you whether you could have cause for legal action against your attacker.

What Is the Difference Between Sexual Assault and Sexual Abuse?

The Criminal Code of the District of Columbia doesn’t use the term “sexual assault” when discussing criminal sexual offenses. Instead of sexual assault or rape, the term in DC law for this sexual offense is “sexual abuse.”

One vital distinction to know in these cases is the difference between sexual acts and sexual contact. D.C. Code § 22-3001 provides definitions. Under the law:

  • Sexual acts refers to, among other things, penetration of the mouth, anus, or vagina with the genitals, hands, fingers, mouth, or object.
  • Sexual contact refers to touching of the genitals, anus, groin, breasts, inner thigh, or buttocks by a clothed or unclothed body part.

With respect to “sexual contact,” It doesn’t matter whether the victim’s body part was clothed or unclothed. All that matters is whether the perpetrator intended to “abuse, humiliate, harass, degrade, or arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.”

Don’t let the legal terminology trip you up, though. If you experienced any unwanted sexual act or contact, even if it did not involve penetration, talk to our attorneys as soon as possible.

What Are the Four Degrees of Sexual Offenses in Washington DC?

D.C. Code Chapter 30, Subchapter II outlines categories of criminal sexual offenses against adults. From most severe to least severe, the four felony categories are:

  • First-degree sexual abuse – This offense involves engaging in or causing another person to engage in a sexual act by using force, the threat of force, or rendering the victim unconscious or unable to consent, such as through drugs or alcohol.
  • Second-degree sexual abuse – Second-degree sexual abuse involves forcing someone to engage in a sexual act through threats or intimidation but without actual physical force. It also applies when the victim is unable to communicate their unwillingness, even if the attacker didn’t use force.
  • Third-degree sexual abuse – A person commits third-degree sexual abuse when they knowingly engage in sexual contact with another without the victim’s consent and use force or the threat of force. Unlike first- and second-degree offenses, this charge applies to sexual contact rather than a sexual act.
  • Fourth-degree sexual abuse – This offense involves engaging in non-consensual sexual contact through threats or intimidation but without actual physical force or when the actor knows the victim is incapable of refusing or unwilling to engage in that contact.

Along with these four categories of sexual abuse against victims who are adults, there are separate criminal laws concerning the sexual abuse of minors. These laws carry harsher penalties, and minors who are victims of sexual abuse have much longer to report the offense and seek compensation. Contact our Washington DC sexual assault lawyer today.

What Are Some Injuries That Can Be the Result of a Sexual Assault?

Sexual assaults frequently cause severe, life-altering physical injuries and emotional injuries, such as:

  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • Internal injuries
  • Pelvic pain
  • Chronic pain conditions
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Self-harm injuries
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Eating disorders
  • Concussions or head trauma
  • Strangulation injuries
  • Broken bones

What Sort of Evidence Is Needed to Prove a Washington DC Sexual Assault Case?

In civil lawsuits over sexual assault, the standard of proof is lower than in criminal matters. You must prove someone assaulted you based on the preponderance of the evidence. The evidence must show it’s more likely than not that the person you file a claim against assaulted you.

You’ll need convincing evidence to win your sexual assault case, such as:

  • Medical records – Your medical records may also contain notes from your doctor on the severity of your injuries and how they occurred.
  • Police reports – If you reported the assault to the police, their investigation may include information on your attacker and evidence of the assault.
  • Eyewitness accounts – If anyone saw the attack or its aftermath, they can testify about what they saw in support of your claim.
  • Surveillance footage – Videos from surveillance cameras at a business or apartment complex, for example, may have recorded the attack or the perpetrator leaving the scene, which can be powerful evidence in your favor.

Can a Sexual Assault Victim Receive Compensation for Their Injuries?

You can’t send someone to jail through a civil sexual assault lawsuit, but you can seek compensation for your assault-related losses.

Victim compensation could include money for:

  • Current medical expenses
  • Future medical expenses
  • Mental health counseling
  • Your pain and suffering
  • Your emotional distress
  • Lost wages if you are unable to work

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Sexual Assault Claim in Washington?

In general, D.C. Code § 12–301 allows three years from the date of the attack for you to file a lawsuit against the person who harmed you. If the sexual assault occurred when you were a minor, child victims may have extra time to file a lawsuit. Speak to our attorneys to see if you meet the requirements for a sexual assault claim.

Contact a Washington DC Sexual Assault Lawyer

We understand if you’re hesitant to file a sexual assault civil lawsuit and relive one of the worst moments of your life. However, you deserve a chance to hold your attacker accountable through the legal system. With 30 attorneys and over 100 support personnel at our disposal, Marks & Harrison has the resources to help you pursue justice.

Call now or complete our contact form to set up a free, confidential case review with an experienced attorney at our law firm.