Sexual Assault Victims Have Rights

If you are the victim of sexual assault in California, it’s important to know you have critical rights that are worth protecting. A sexual assault can have lasting consequences that make moving forward into your future far more challenging. If these are the difficult circumstances you find yourself in, you need the skilled legal guidance of an experienced California sexual assault attorney in your corner.

A Recent Case

A recent sexual assault case reported on by KTLA-5 happened earlier this summer. The accused, a 26-year-old man, is alleged to have sexually assaulted a 75-year-old woman who was gardening in her front yard at the time. The man, who was on foot, approached the woman in her yard, and after watching her while she gardened for a bit, he moved in closer before dropping his pants.

The man grabbed the woman from behind and attempted to drag her out of sight. When she screamed, her neighbors heard her and rushed to her rescue. The accused fled the scene but was later apprehended by responding officers.

The Charges

The accused, who had been released from custody just weeks earlier in connection with a 2021 burglary conviction, was booked on the following charges:

• Assault with the intent to commit rape
• Aggravated kidnapping
• Elder abuse

The accused has a lengthy criminal history that includes arrests made across the country for all the following charges:

• Assault on a police officer
• Assault on a child
• Stolen vehicle
• Robbery

The Sexual Assault Survivor’s Bill of Rights

California’s Sexual Assault Survivor’s Bill of Rights affords victims of sexual assault all the following rights:

• The right to ask questions of the police, medical professionals, and attorneys involved
• The right to be treated with respect
• The right to have a victim advocate with you, including for any interviews, medical follow-up, and court proceedings
• The right to be kept informed regarding the status of your case
• The right to confidentiality on the matter
• The right to change your initial statement – as your memories become more clear
• The right to decline interviews altogether or to reschedule them
• The right to do nothing – you can’t be forced to engage in an investigation or anything else
• The right to compensation through the Victims of Crime Fund – for those whose cases are filed and who qualify

One of the most important points to keep in mind is that a sexual assault attorney can help you better understand your rights, protect your rights, and make the right decisions for you moving forward. 

An Experienced California Sexual Assault Attorney Is Standing By to Help

The compassionate California sexual assault attorneys at Bamieh & De Smeth have

established ourselves as fierce and effective advocates for our clients who’ve been victimized by sexual assault. Our focus is the justice and compensation to which you’re entitled, so please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at 805-643-5555 for more information about what we can do to help you today.