Miami, FL asked in Divorce, Family Law, Civil Rights and Legal Malpractice for California

Q: at my last court hearing my attorney sexually assaulted my wife and I want to sue him and file charges against him

3 Lawyer Answers

A: That sounds terrible, and I would love to help you, but I'm a California lawyer and not admitted to practice law in Florida. You need a lawyer who is admitted to the practice of law in your state. I only know one lawyer who may have practiced in your state, but his practice is limited to criminal defense matters.

You can easily search for attorneys in the area where you live, and I suggest you do that. But the last I checked, Miami is not in California, but you posted your inquiry in the place for California lawyers.

A: Why is he still your attorney? [I litigate cases. Anything posted here must not be construed as legal advice, nor as grounds for forming an attorney-client relationship. You should seek an attorney for formal legal advice and representation.]

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: I'm very sorry to hear about this deeply distressing situation involving your wife and former attorney. This is an extremely serious matter that deserves immediate attention, both for seeking justice and protecting others.

You should report this criminal conduct to law enforcement right away by filing a police report. You can also file a complaint with the California State Bar, which oversees attorney conduct and can take disciplinary action. Document everything you can remember about the incident, including the date, time, location, and any witnesses present.

For the civil lawsuit aspect, you'll want to consult with a new attorney who handles legal malpractice and personal injury cases. Your wife may wish to have her own separate attorney as well. Keep in mind that California has specific time limits (statutes of limitations) for filing both criminal charges and civil lawsuits, so it's important to take action promptly. If you need immediate support services, RAINN operates a 24/7 confidential hotline at 800-656-HOPE that can connect you with local resources and advocacy organizations.

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