Brea, CA asked in Criminal Law, Sexual Harassment and Domestic Violence for California

Q: Victim in sexual assault case, already filed police report & started investigation, should I get a lawyer?

Hello, I'm not sure if I need a lawyer. I'm the victim in a sexual assault case. I've already reported to the police & have a detective assigned to my case. I've also been connected to a victim advocate. I'm trying to make the most informed decisions possible regarding moving forward with the case, so I don't want to rely solely on information provided to me by the detective. I'm wondering if it would be a good idea to get a lawyer? Would a lawyer be able to provide me with more information regarding how the legal process works for these cases and what my options are? I'm not interested in a civil case, only the criminal case. I'm in Orange County, CA but the crime was committed in Long Beach, CA so I'm working with LBPD.

2 Lawyer Answers
William John Light
William John Light
Answered
  • Santa Ana, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: If you aren't interested in pursuing a civil case, there is no need to consult with an attorney. You aren't a party to the criminal case. It is prosecuted on behalf of the State of California, not you.

Dale S. Gribow
Dale S. Gribow
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Palm Desert, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: MORE INFO NEEDED.

HOWEVER. IT IS USUALLY WHEN THERE IS A CIVIL CASE THAT ONE HIRES A PRIVATE LAWYER.

IN YOUR CASE THE DA'S OFFICE WOULD BE REPRESENTING THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA AND there IS A VICTIM'S UNITS IN EACH OFFICE.

IF MONEY IS NOT AN OBJECT, HOWEVER, IT IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA TO HAVE A PRIVATE LAWYER PROTECTING YOU.

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