Benefits of Hiring a Houston Sexual Assault Lawyer

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Sexual assault, whether at the workplace, school, church, private home, or any other place, is against the law, and the assaulter is subject to criminal prosecution. That’s why you need the services of Houston sexual assault lawyers, who will seek justice and compensation on your behalf. 

When sexual assault at the workplace occurs, you, as the victim, have to be courageous and report the matter to the authorities. 

The benefit of hiring a lawyer is that they will give you information about the sexual assault prevention division of the Houston police department, which has some critical dos and don’ts for the victims of sexual assault:

  • Report the matter to the police immediately
  • Do not bathe
  • Leave the scene of the rape intact
  • Do not wash your clothes (worn during the assault)
  • Reporting to the police department should be immediately followed with a medical procedure at a designated hospital and should comprise a medical examination and use of a rape kit. 
  • Whatever psychological assistance is required will be provided.

The lawyer will also offer you the Houston Area Women’s Center Sexual Assault Hotline (713-528-7273) or the Houston Police Department, the Adult Sex Crimes unit hotline (713-308-1180), or the juvenile unit hotline (713-731-5335) and advise you to report the crime to the appropriate authorities immediately. 

Another benefit of hiring a Houston sexual assault lawyer is that they will explain the popular myths and truths in detail to have more clarity. 

Popular myths:

It Will Never Occur In My Case.

Truth:

Anyone can become a potential victim based on circumstances. Regardless of the victim being a man, woman, child, of any age, race, religion, education, occupation, or sexual preference, a sexual assault can never be ruled out. 

The Motive Is Always Sexual.

Truth:

Sexual assault is a violent act, and often the perpetrator is aggressive, hostile, and angry. 

Rape Is Committed Only By A Stranger On The Spur Of The Moment.

Truth:

Sexual assaults can often be planned and executed ruthlessly at the victims’ homes, with the assaulter being a known family friend or close relative. Even a neighbor or casual acquaintance can turn into a rapist. 

Women Often “Ask For It.”

Truth:

No woman wishes to be sexually assaulted. A responsible Houston sexual assault lawyer will quickly realize and impress the jury to seek maximum punishment for the assaulter and suitable compensation for the victim. This is a significant benefit victims can expect from their lawyers, who fight tooth-and-nail for justice in such cases. 

The youngest reported rape victim, as per Houston Police records, was a 3-month old. How would a 3-month old “ask for it”? Such heinous crimes never go unpunished if left to a competent lawyer. Similarly, the oldest victim reported was, incredibly, 99 years old. Age or provocative way of dressing never matter to a sexual crime perpetrator. 

You Can Spot A Rapist In A Crowd.

Truth:

This is far from the truth. Most rapists appear very normal and maybe married, with families. They may come from any economic background and be of any race. You never know where the next rapist lurks. 

Rape Is A Non-Violent Crime.

Truth:

Rape is categorized as a violent crime, while rapists are often armed and hostile and threaten the victim with death if they do not comply.

The primary benefit of hiring a Houston sexual assault lawyer is that they will advise you on your rights as victim. You have a right to sue the perpetrator and seek damages. The compensation includes medical expenses, mental anguish, pain, and suffering, etc. 

Victims are also entitled to claim punitive damages, and the best part probably is that there is no cap in Texas, unlike other punitive damages. It is up to the jury to decide the amount, and it is the lawyer who impresses the jury to award the highest amount. 

Summing it Up

Understandably, a sexual assault victim is hesitant because of the trauma and the sensitivity of the case. However, a victim should be courageous and report the matter to the authorities and hire a competent lawyer to fight the case. 

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