Answering Your Questions About Sexual Abuse Cases
Sexual abuse causes trauma that can last for years and affect every aspect of the victim’s life. Joleen Youngers believes that you deserve an ally who will fight for justice while helping you care for your mental and emotional state. While attorney Joleen Youngers is committed to fierce, passionate representation, her goal is also to provide compassionate support to victims of sexual abuse.
Ms. Youngers and her staff understand that relationships, power dynamics and emotional trauma all factor into your case. While the answers below apply to many cases in general, they are not tailored to your specific situation. Attorney Youngers would be honored to answer your questions in greater detail in a free initial consultation. To schedule a time to speak with her at the firm’s offices in Santa Fe or Las Cruces, call 505-933-8480 or 575-636-2057 or complete the contact form. She represents clients throughout New Mexico.
How is a civil case different than a criminal one?
There are two main ways that civil and criminal cases differ. First, the burden of proof in a civil case is lower than in a criminal case. This means that you do not have to offer the same amount or kind of evidence that a criminal case requires. Second, civil cases offer personal compensation, rather than a criminal conviction, as a form of justice. This means that you can obtain monetary compensation from an abuser or an abuser’s employer or person in charge of the abuser. The compensation may be for mental health treatment, damage to dignity, emotional trauma, humiliation and other harms and losses.
Will I have to keep telling people my story?
If the case goes to trial, you will need to tell the court about your abuse, but Joleen Youngers will stand with you every step of the way and keep the number of times you testify to an absolute minimum. She understands that talking about your past traumas can be a traumatic event in and of itself, and she will support you and protect you throughout the process.
Will you help me?
Yes. Attorney Youngers and her staff understand that abuse is a deep betrayal of trust. Whether the abuser was a member of the clergy, a teacher, a coach or a community leader, that betrayal is unacceptable. She will assist you in finding an approach to justice that can help you gain closure and move forward with your life. Reach out to the firm online or by calling 505-933-8480 or 575-636-2057 and schedule a time to speak with her.