Q: Who do I call for help with a case where I was raped on several occasions in Riverside County , CA but live out by Vegas
I have name, dob, last known address & documented notes and rape kit done in Moreno Valley the following day. Thought I filed but was the turns out it was the wrong court
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- California
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
From a legal standpoint, here are some steps you can take:
1. File a police report: Contact the Riverside County Sheriff's Department and file an official police report. Provide them with all the information and evidence you have, including the rape kit, documented notes, and the perpetrator's identifying information. This is a crucial step in building a case.
2. Cooperate with the investigation: Work with the assigned detective or investigator and provide any additional information they may need. They will likely interview you and any potential witnesses, gather evidence, and build a case to present to the District Attorney's office.
3. Contact the District Attorney's office: Reach out to the Riverside County District Attorney's Victim Services Unit for guidance and support throughout the legal process. They can provide information about your rights, keep you updated on the case, and help you navigate the court system.
4. Seek a restraining order: If you fear for your safety, consider filing for a restraining order against the perpetrator. The Victim Services Unit can help guide you through this process.
5. Consult with a private attorney: While not necessary, you may wish to consult with a private attorney who specializes in sexual assault cases. They can provide additional legal guidance and help protect your rights throughout the process.
6. Prepare for court proceedings: If the case goes to trial, work with the prosecutor and Victim Services Unit to prepare for court appearances. This may include testifying and providing victim impact statements.
Remember, the legal process can be lengthy and emotionally challenging, but there are resources and support systems available to help you through it. Don't hesitate to reach out to the Victim Services Unit or a victim advocate for guidance and support.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
