Orange County Sexual Assault Attorney

What Constitutes Sexual Assault in California?

Sexual assault is not limited to rape or intercourse. Under California Penal Code §243.4, sexual assault includes any unwanted touching of another person’s intimate parts for sexual gratification, arousal, or abuse. In civil law, these cases are often pursued as sexual battery.

Key elements of a civil sexual assault claim include:

• Intent: The abuser must have acted intentionally.
• Lack of Consent: The act must have been without your consent. Minors under 18 cannot legally consent to sexual acts under California law.

At Carpenter & Zuckerman, our Orange County attorneys know how to navigate these legal definitions, collect compelling evidence, and prepare a strong case for trial if necessary.

Civil vs. Criminal Sexual Assault Lawsuits

It’s important to distinguish between criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits:

• Criminal Cases: Prosecuted by the state to punish perpetrators. Penalties may include jail time, fines, and sex offender registration.
• Civil Cases: Filed by survivors to seek financial compensation for damages such as therapy costs, lost wages, medical care, and pain and suffering.

You can pursue both civil and criminal cases simultaneously. A civil case empowers survivors to take control of their narrative and seek justice in a way that provides tangible resources for recovery.

Statute of Limitations for Sexual Assault Claims in California

California law recognizes the difficulty survivors face in coming forward and provides extended timelines for filing lawsuits:

• Adult Survivors: May file within 10 years of the assault or within 3 years of discovering trauma-related injury or illness (California Code of Civil Procedure §340.16).
• Child Survivors: May file a lawsuit up until their 40th birthday, or within 5 years of discovering trauma-related harm (California Code of Civil Procedure §340.1).

Missing these deadlines may prevent you from pursuing justice, which is why contacting a lawyer as soon as possible is crucial. Our team will ensure your claim is filed correctly and within the statute of limitations.

Damages Available in Sexual Assault Civil Cases

Survivors of sexual assault may be entitled to significant compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Medical expenses: Hospital care, treatment, medications, therapy, and counseling.
• Lost wages & future income: Compensation for time away from work or reduced earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering: Emotional trauma, mental anguish, PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Impact on personal relationships, intimacy, and overall well-being.
• Punitive damages: In cases involving egregious or malicious conduct, courts may award damages to punish the perpetrator and deter future misconduct.

Our attorneys will fight tirelessly to maximize the compensation available in your case, ensuring you have the financial support needed to move forward.

Proving Sexual Assault in Civil Court

Civil cases require proof “by a preponderance of the evidence”, which means showing it is more likely than not that the assault occurred. Our attorneys gather and present powerful evidence to support your claim, including:

• Police reports
• Medical records
• Witness testimonies
• Forensic evidence (DNA, physical findings)
• Digital evidence (texts, emails, call logs)
• Expert testimony (medical professionals, psychologists)

With meticulous case preparation, we build a compelling argument that holds abusers—and negligent institutions that enabled them—accountable.

Why Choose Carpenter & Zuckerman?

Choosing the right attorney after sexual assault is an important step toward justice and healing. Survivors in Orange County trust Carpenter & Zuckerman because:

• Nearly 30 years of experience in personal injury and sexual assault cases
• Proven results, with billions recovered for clients
• Compassionate, survivor-centered advocacy every step of the way
• Trial-ready representation, never shying away from litigation
• No fees unless we win—you pay nothing upfront

Beyond legal advocacy, our team connects survivors with supportive resources, including counseling and mental health services, to help guide your healing journey.

Empowering Survivors to Reclaim Their Lives

At Carpenter & Zuckerman, we believe there is never an excuse for sexual assault. Whether the assault happened in the workplace, at a social setting, or within the home, our team is here to help you take back control and pursue justice.

We serve clients throughout Orange County, including Santa Ana, Anaheim, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and surrounding communities. No matter where you are in your recovery, we are ready to stand by you.