Sexual Assault Lawyer
The Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC, helps victims of rape, sexual abuse, and other sex crimes in New York City pursue justice. We can file a civil suit on your behalf to collect compensation for physical injuries, emotional pain and suffering, and more. Our firm provides free case reviews, and we collect no fees unless we win your case. Our attorneys are ready to stand with you.
Call For a Free Consultation In New York City or White Plains
Mr. Joseph and his team protect the rights of victims of sexual assault and sexual abuse. If you have been sexually mistreated by an employer, coworker, or were raped by a celebrity, musician or wealthy person in New York’s finacial industry, or were the victim of revenge porn, you can sue for compensation to hold them accountable for what they did. Our attorneys have extensive experience in holding rich and powerful men accountable for sexually mistreating young women.
As attorneys who are dedicated to achieving justice for victims, we treat all of our clients with compassion and respect. We work with medical experts who can support your claims, and will gather credible and compelling evidence to prove who is responsible for the injuries you have suffered.
Request a free consultation today at our New York City office or White Plains location. It costs you nothing to talk to our sexual assault attorneys, and we collect absolutely no fees unless and until we win your sexual assault case. Request your free consultation online or call us now:
Manhattan: (212) 858-0503
White Plains: (914) 354-3809
What Is Considered Sexual Assault In New York?
Broadly speaking, the state of New York considers any unwanted sexual contact with someone who either does not consent or is not able to consent sexual assault. New York’s age of consent is 17; that means anyone 16 or younger is not legally capable of granting consent.
If you were assaulted, our law firm is ready to fight for the justice to which you are entitled.
"Michael H. Joseph was there for me all the way."
2021
I want to thank the law office of Michael and Joseph, they handled my case that when I came to them I was told by previous counsel that I had no case, once the law office of Michael and Joseph seen my case they said I have a case and they could win it and that’s exactly what they did. Whenever I was concerned they responded very quickly. I would recommend them to anyone of my family and friends. They are winners and thank them for all they did for me!!
2022
Michael H. Joseph was there for me all the way through a complex and difficult case. He explained everything in great detail. I am very pleased!
Why Victims Turn to Our New York City Law Firm
Victims of sexual abuse and sexual assault need and deserve seasoned legal representation capable of navigating the New York court system. Our New York attorneys have helped many clients in this incredibly difficult position collect damages, and they can do the same for you and your loved ones.
Regardless of whether the perpetrator is facing criminal charges, our sexual assault lawyers can file a civil claim for damages including medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. If you’re concerned about whether you can afford our services, we want you to know that you absolutely can. Our sexual assault attorneys will review your case for free, and collect no fees unless we are successful in securing a jury award or settlement on your behalf. Other reasons sexual abuse victims turn to us include:
Our Track Record of Success
The Law Office of Michael Joseph has secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients. If we take your case, we’ll fight for maximum compensation on your behalf. Our primary focus is achieving justice for you.
Knowledge of State Laws
Our attorneys have worked in the New York court system for years, representing clients in personal injury cases involving wrongful death and more. We’ll use our skills and resources to achieve an outcome that is most favorable for you.
Fact-Based Litigation
The foundation of any legal strategy is compelling evidence. We will review police reports, medical exams, eyewitness accounts, timelines of events, and all other pertinent evidence to present the clearest and most truthful account of what led to your injuries.
Compassionate Advocacy
Being involved in a sexual assault or sexual abuse case can be emotionally devastating. If we take on your case, you can feel confident knowing that our attorneys are fighting for the restitution that will give you access to all the resources you need to heal and move forward in your life.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After Being Raped?
While the general statute of limitations for an intentional tort is one year, New York’s Civil Practice Law and Rules section, 213-c provides for a 5-year statute of limitations for a civil lawsuit for physical, psychological or other injury caused by a rape or sexual act in the first degree or aggravated sexual abuse in the first degree. General lawsuits for sexual misconduct that fall short of rape, such as inappropriate touching have to be brought within one year.
The 2019 Change
In 2019, New York created a new 20 year statute of limitations allowing victims of sexual assault and rape to sue within 20 years for incidents that occurred after the date that the law was passed. This change in the law was a formal recognition that it often takes victims of this type of trauma years to come to terms with what happened and to be able to process their trauma.
The Adult Survivors Act
On May 24, 2022, New York enacted the Adult Survivors Act, which temporarily opened the window, for one year (beginning six months after May 24, 2022) allowing time barred claims to be asserted. So for one year, victims, who were over 18 years old when they were raped, could file lawsuits for sexual assault and rape regardless of when the assault occurred. This act was a formal recognition of both formal and informal barriers that prevented sexual assault victims from pursuing claims in the past.
What If Was Under 18 When I Was Raped
Under New York, law, the statute of limitations does not begin to run until the victim’s 18th birthday. However the one year window to file time barred claims under the Child Victim’s Act has expired.
Regardless of whether the assailant is facing criminal charges, we can file a civil suit to pursue the compensation you deserve.
New York Laws on Rape and Sexual Violence
Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law
In 2000, New York City enacted the “Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law” (VGM) (New York City Admin. Code § 10-1101, et seq and Admin. Code § 10-1104). The law allows victims of gender motivated violence, such as rape victims to file a civil lawsuit for injuries caused by those who commit crimes of violence motivated by gender, which includes emotional injury. The VGM defines a crime of violence as “an act or series of acts that would constitute a misdemeanor or felony against the person as defined in state or federal law if the conduct presents a serious risk of physical injury to another.
Revenge Porn Laws in New York City
New York City has a revenge porn law, which both makes revenge porn a crime and allows the victim, whose video or photographs were distributed to sue anyone who distributed the images. Administrative Code §10-180[b][1] prohibits disclosing an intimate image, without the depicted individual’s consent, with the intent to cause economic, physical or substantial emotional harm to such depicted individual, where such depicted individual is or would be identifiable to another individual either from the intimate image or from the circumstances under which such image is disclosed.
So if intimate images of you or video of you engaged in sexual acts was shared or posted on social media or a website, without your consent, you can sue anyone responsible, including those who filmed you or the sexual activity and those who posted it or the owners of the website that hosted the video.
Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC
The Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC, has been helping injured victims recover compensation for their injuries for over 25 years. Our attorneys are members of several prestigious organizations, including:
- New York State Trial Lawyers Association
- American Association for Justice
- New York County Bar Association
- Westchester County Bar Association
To request your free initial consultation with our team, call our New York City office at (212) 858-0503 or our White Plains office at (914) 574-8330. You can also request a case review online.
