How a Houston Sexual Assault Attorney Can Help
Sexual assault is something that no man, woman, or child should ever have to live through, but the reality is that millions of people have experienced some form of sexual assault or trauma in their lifetime. The vast majority of sexual assault survivors never report the crime. Our attorneys hope to give survivors a voice, championing their rights and their recovery in court and beyond. Predators must be held accountable, and institutions that allow these obscenities to occur must be brought to justice. As your legal representative, we can help bring a claim for damages against all responsible parties, always pushing for the maximum compensation allowed in your case. Call our office at (713) 751-0025 to speak directly with a knowledgeable rape victim lawyer today. Our sex crime attorneys are devoted to giving victims a voice and will help you come forward with your story of survival.
A Sexual Assault Law Firm With More Than a Century of Collective Trial Experience
Our Houston sexual abuse attorneys have decades of trial experience and have developed a reputation for excellence among our peers and clients.
Attorney Erin K. Copeland is a partner with Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs. Throughout her legal career, she has remained a dedicated advocate for those who have experienced sexual trauma. She proudly serves on the American Association for Justice Board of Governors and has recovered hundreds of millions on behalf of injury victims.
You can learn more about our successful cases here and how we can help you fight for fair compensation. We seek out and open every avenue to help you get the monetary damages you are entitled to.
What Is a Civil Sexual Assault Lawsuit?
There is a distinct difference between criminal cases and civil cases. The state determines whether to file and pursue criminal charges against an individual for sexual assault, not the victim. Criminal cases determine guilt or innocence and establish a penalty for those convicted of a criminal offense, such as fines and prison time.
Civil lawsuits are different. Victims of intentional sexual assault can file a civil lawsuit. In their suit, they can prove that it is more likely than not that the perpetrator committed the violent act and, therefore, owes the victim financial compensation for their medical expenses and other losses related to the sexual assault or battery.
Civil and criminal cases are separate legal proceedings meant to accomplish different things. Criminal cases punish wrongdoing, and civil cases aim to gain compensation for the victim’s losses.
What is the Difference Between Sexual Assault and Sexual Abuse?
According to the Texas Penal Code, the following is considered sexual assault:
- Intercourse and penetration without consent
- Coercive sexual acts
- Intercourse, penetration, or sexual contact with a minor
- Sexual abuse of someone who cannot give consent due to disability or mental capacity
- Forcible and violent intercourse, penetration or sexual contact, even with consent
Texas law defines sexual abuse as occurring in the context of an individual receiving certain services, such as a state employee who is providing services to a citizen. In that context, sexual abuse can take the form of:
- A service provider kissing, hugging, stroking, or fondling an individual with sexual intent
- A service provider any activity defined as obscene in the Texas Penal Code
- A service provider requesting, soliciting, or compelling another person to engage in obscene activity
- Committing sexual exploitation, sexual assault, or aggravated sexual assault
- Photographing or videotaping activities that could be considered pornographic
An experienced sexual assault attorney can explain more about the differences between sexual assault and sexual abuse if you are curious about your rights under Texas law as a survivor.
What Is the Process for Filing a Lawsuit?
First, discuss your situation with a Houston lawyer who has experience representing survivors of sexual assault. A sexual assault attorney can outline your legal options and walk you through the process of filing a sexual assault civil lawsuit. Filing suit involves:
- Investigating to collect and preserve evidence
- Filing a petition with the correct court while adhering to legal deadlines
- Serving notice to the perpetrator
- Preparing testimony for depositions and the trial
- Creating a compelling trial strategy
- Presenting your case in court
An attorney can file the paperwork against the alleged perpetrator and help determine whether other entities may be liable for compensating you for your injuries.
Sexual Abuse on College Campuses
The number of sexual assaults that occur on college campuses and universities is staggering. Despite numerous studies about the widespread problem and complete failure to protect students and staff, the unsettling trend continues. Men and women at Texas institutions and schools throughout the country continue to be the victims of horrific sexual trauma. Statistics of sexual assault at colleges and universities:
Of the female undergraduate students surveyed at the University of Texas at Austin,
fifteen percent reported that they had been raped. (
The Dallas Morning News)
Female college students between the ages of 18 and 24 are three times more likely than all women to experience sexual violence. (
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network - RAINN)
Thirteen percent of undergraduate and graduate student rapes and sexual assaults are done through the use of “physical force, violence, or incapacitation.” (RAINN)
Instances of sexual assaults on college campuses are not only under-reported by victims but may also be under-reported by the institution, including 30 instances of rape that went unreported by Texas State University in 2016 and 2017. (
The Texas Tribune)
