Baltimore Catholic Archdiocese Sexual Assault Lawyers
If you or someone you love are a victim of sexual assault perpetrated by a trusted member of the Baltimore Catholic Archdiocese and are seeking legal help, look no further than the Snyder Law Group.
The Snyder Law Group are composed of fierce litigators who are staunch advocates for their client no matter the cost.
Taking the action to confront a sexual assault case can be traumatizing for the victim. Even if the event happened years ago, the pain associated with the assault makes these cases particularly difficult. At Snyder Law Group, our many years of litigation experience have prepared us to handle these sensitive cases. We understand that disclosing this information to an attorney may be difficult, but it is the first step in ensuring justice. The Snyder law group’s empathetic Baltimore sexual abuse and assault attorneys empower you to seek and deliver justice so you can begin the process of healing.
Snyder Law Group understands the physical, emotional and psychological anguish sexual assault victims carry with them. Our group of experienced attorneys will confidentially tell you the options that are at your disposal when looking to litigate a sexual assault claim. We understand coming to an attorney can be intimidating but we lead with listening and understanding your story.
Maryland sexual assault faq
What Is Considered Sexual Abuse In Maryland?
In the State of Maryland, the charge of sexual abuse refers to the sexual abuse of a minor, and it involves an act of sexual molestation or exploitation of a child, whether they sustain physical injuries or not. Each of the following is included in the sexual abuse classification:
- Incest
- Rape
- Sodomy
- Unnatural or perverted sexual practices
- Any sexual offense of any degree
Sexual abuse can be perpetrated by a parent, by a member of the child’s household – including stepparents, siblings, and other relatives – or by someone outside the home, such as any of the following:
- A childcare provider
- A teacher
- A neighbor
- A family friend
- A member of the clergy
- A stranger
What Legal Options Are Available To Victims Of Sexual Abuse In Baltimore, MD?
While sexual abuse is a crime that can lead to criminal charges, victims of sexual abuse can file civil lawsuits against their abusers. In a sexual abuse case, you can seek compensation not only for any related medical expenses, including the cost of therapy but also for the pain and suffering endured, which is often immense. It’s important to note that you can not only hold your child’s abuser responsible but can also hold any company, organization, or entity that failed to protect your child responsible, such as if the abuse took place at school, at daycare, at church, or at an after-school program.
Another important point to make regarding your civil case is that the burden of proof is much less daunting than it is in a criminal case. In order to convict someone of the crime of sexual abuse, the state has to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, which means there is no other reasonable explanation. In your civil sexual abuse case, however, you’ll need to prove the perpetrator’s guilt with the preponderance of the evidence, which means the amount of evidence needed to demonstrate they are more likely to be guilty than not.
How Long Does It Take To Resolve A Sexual Abuse Case In Baltimore, MD?
Every sexual abuse case follows its own path toward a resolution, which is guided by the circumstances involved. Your trusted sexual abuse attorney will move your case forward as effectively and efficiently as possible while ensuring that your child’s best interests and personal limits are honored. Working closely with a seasoned sexual abuse attorney helps to ensure that your case will be resolved as favorably and as swiftly as possible within the parameters of fiercely protecting your child’s rights in the pursuit of their rightful compensation.
What Are The Potential Damages I Can Recover In A Sexual Abuse Case In Baltimore, Maryland?
In a sexual abuse case, you can seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, which can include all the following:
- The cost of medical treatments for any physical injuries your child sustained
- The cost of the emotional care your child requires, such as mental health counseling
- The loss of any lost earnings, such as if your child is unable to keep up with a part-time job as a result of the abuse
- The physical and emotional pain your child suffers, which is more difficult to assign a value but likely represents a critical element of your child’s losses – or legal damages
You can also seek punitive damages, which are designed to punish the person who harmed your child and not to compensate for losses your child experienced.
How Can I Find The Best Baltimore Sexual Abuse Attorney For My Case?
If your child has been sexually abused, you need a formidable Baltimore sexual abuse attorney on your side, but finding a good fit for you and your child requires care. Keep all the following in mind:
- You’re looking for an attorney who listens to you and understands the gravity of your situation
- You’re looking for an attorney who connects with your child and does what it takes to help them feel as comfortable as possible
- You’re looking for an attorney who takes the time to guide you through the legal process step by step – helping to ensure that you make the well-informed decisions that are right for your child along the way
Once you’re able to check each of the boxes above, you’ll know that you’ve found the best sexual abuse attorney for your case.
What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Sexual Abuse Cases In Baltimore, Maryland?
The statute of limitations for civil lawsuits in Maryland is three years from the date the abuse occurred. There is, however, an exception that is called the minority rule, which applies to claimants who are minors and extends this time limit to three years from the date they turn 18. This law was amended in 2017 to extend this time limit to the claimant’s 38th birthday, but this extension only applies to cases that occurred after the law went into effect. In other words, it’s complicated, and reaching out to an experienced sexual abuse lawyer sooner rather than later is to your advantage.
What Needs To Be proven In A Sexual Assault Case?
Maryland uses the term sexual offenses for sexual assault charges, and the charges range from first-degree to fourth-degree. A first-degree sexual assault charge involves the following elements:
- Using force or threat to engage in a sexual act with another person without consent
- Employing or displaying a dangerous weapon – or something the victim reasonably believes is a dangerous weapon – in the process
Contact Us Today
From here, the law addresses variations of this criminal offense.
If you or someone you care about has been the victim of sexual abuse, you recognize how devastating the effects can be, and you almost certainly have questions.
If you are considering legal action, an important first step that can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case is reaching out for the professional legal guidance of a compassionate Maryland sexual abuse attorney early in the process. To learn more, call Snyder Law Group today.