New York City Sexual Assault Victim Lawyer
Reaching out for legal help after a sexual assault takes extraordinary courage. At Sapone & Petrillo, LLP, our attorneys recognize the strength it takes to consider your options. This is why your safety, privacy and confidentiality guide everything we do. Every decision about your case remains in your hands. We listen to your story, answer your questions and provide honest guidance about your legal options without pressure or judgment.
We work with survivors of all genders and backgrounds in New York City and Long Island. Our approach combines compassionate advocacy with strategic legal action. As experienced New York City sexual abuse lawyers, we stand ready to help you reclaim control and rebuild your life on your own terms.
What Qualifies As Sexual Assault Under New York Law?
Sexual assault encompasses a wide range of harmful acts, from forcible rape to unwanted touching and coercion. New York sexual assault laws protect your right to bodily autonomy and acknowledge that consent cannot be given when you are incapacitated, unconscious, asleep, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or subjected to threats or manipulation.
Sexual assault includes but is not limited to:
- Rape or attempted rape
- Forced oral or anal sexual acts
- Groping or touching on intimate body parts without permission
- Sexual contact obtained through fraud, deception or abuse of authority
- Sexual acts with minors or individuals who are physically helpless or mentally incapacitated
We help survivors understand how the law applies to their unique circumstances and what legal remedies are available.
Your Legal Options As A Sexual Assault Victim
You have multiple paths to justice after a sexual assault. Understanding these options helps you make informed decisions about how to move forward.
Criminal Versus Civil Cases In New York
Criminal cases are brought by prosecutors who represent the state, not you. These cases can result in jail time or probation for the perpetrator, but they do not provide you with compensation. Prosecutors must prove guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt” – the highest legal standard.
On the other hand, civil cases belong entirely to you. You decide whether to file a civil lawsuit for sexual assault, when to settle and what terms to accept. The burden of proof is lower – “preponderance of the evidence,” meaning it is more likely than not that the assault occurred.
Filing A Civil Lawsuit For Damages
You can sue for sexual assault in New York City even if no criminal charges were filed, if prosecutors dropped the charges or if a jury acquitted the perpetrator in criminal court. A civil lawsuit can recover damages for medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages and future treatment needs. You can also seek compensation for emotional distress, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and trauma-related conditions like PTSD, anxiety or depression.
Claims Against Institutions Or Third Parties
You can hold more than just the perpetrator accountable. Schools and universities that ignored reports of assaults, employers who failed to address workplace harassment, and bars or nightclubs that overserved patrons may also bear legal responsibility. These institutional claims recognize that organizations have a duty to maintain safe environments and take reasonable steps to prevent sexual violence.
Why Choose Sapone & Petrillo
Our main lawyer for these sensitive cases, William S. Petrillo, brings both legal strength and genuine compassion to these deeply personal matters. As an ordained Christian pastor, he sees you as a whole person, not just a case file.
At our office, your voice matters and your healing comes first. We move at your pace, answer your every question and never pressure you to make decisions before you are ready. But you can also rest assured that we prepare thoroughly for trial. We want defendants to know we mean business. Call us today at 646-844-3445 or complete this online form to schedule an appointment with our team.