Colorado Sexual Assault Attorney
Standing with Survivors for 20+ Years
At The Zalkin Law Firm, LLP, we have devoted our careers to fighting for justice and closure for sexual abuse and assault survivors. We understand how the horrific trauma of abuse and assault can negatively impact a survivor for years, even decades, after the initial crime, as well as how feelings of shame, fear, and confusion can make it difficult to speak up.
If you have been the victim of abuse or assault, our Colorado attorney team is here to help. We take a compassionate approach to legal counsel, prioritizing your comfort and listening with a nonjudgmental ear. In court, we will aggressively advocate for your rights, as we have for hundreds of clients in single- and multi-victim cases over the past 20+ years. Time and again, we have won multimillion-dollar verdicts against abusers and the large corporations—even those with global influence—that covered up their crimes. Our attorneys even push to protect the rights of survivors through legislation: Attorney Kristian Roggendorf played an instrumental role in the making and passage of SB21-088, one of two historic state laws that have eliminated the civil statute of limitations, or deadline, on these cases.
When you’re ready, our Colorado sexual assault lawyers are here for you. Contact The Zalkin Law Firm, LLP online for a free and confidential consultation.
Colorado Sexual Abuse & Assault Laws
Colorado takes sexual assault, sexual assault on a child, statutory rape, and unlawful sexual contact very seriously. While these crimes vary from one another, the question of consent is at the center of every one of them. If a person did not consent to the sexual act or contact, then the person carrying out that nonconsensual act or contact is considered guilty of a sex crime.
Several examples of sexual abuse and assault include:
- Unwanted sexual contact, such as fondling, kissing, etc.
- Forced masturbation or oral copulation
- Sexual contact/acts achieved through violence, the threat of violence, or coercion
- Forced penetration using a body part or foreign object
- Sexual contact/acts with a person who cannot consent to or appraise the act
It is important to note that per law, persons under the age of consent or under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs cannot consent to any sexual contact or act.
Seeking Justice After Abuse or Assault
Survivors have three legal options available to them: a criminal lawsuit, a civil lawsuit, or both.
A criminal lawsuit is achieved through filing a report with your local police department or district attorney. These authorities will be the ones to prosecute your abuser in criminal court. You will have the option to share your story by testifying in court, but this tends to be the extent of the survivor’s involvement in a criminal case. The point of a criminal case is for the state to hold abusers accountable in the interest of public safety; thus, a criminal case will end in either the abuser being convicted or acquitted.
A civil lawsuit offers you the opportunity to pursue your full and fair compensation for the losses, or damages, you suffered as a result of the abuse/assault. That said, you will need to be more involved in the civil case than you would in the criminal case, as you will either need to represent yourself in court or hire a sexual assault lawyer to advocate for you. If you win your civil case, you could recover monies for medical expenses, therapy bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, or any other damages you have incurred from the traumatic experience you went through.
A Record of Success
Examples of Some of Our Successful Cases:
The Zalkin Law Firm, LLP has cultivated a record of proven success in high-stakes personal injury cases across the state of California and the U.S. As a firm experienced in fighting for victims, we have won millions in verdicts and settlements for injured victims and their families.
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$8,000,000 Clergy Sexual Abuse
Multi-VictimMulti-victim case against a religious leader and institution.
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$4,200,000 Clergy Sexual Abuse
Multi-VictimThree survivors abused as minors by priests associated with a Northern California Diocese.
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$660,000,000 Clergy Sexual Abuse
Multi-VictimIrwin Zalkin was one of the lead trial lawyers and part of the trial team prepared to commence a 14 victim trial against the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Los Angeles, the day a global settlement was reached in the amount of $660,000,000.
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$4,250,000 Child Sexual Abuse
Single Victim$4.25 Million paid to single sexual abuse Plaintiff.
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$4,150,000 Child Sexual Abuse
Single Victim$4.15 Million paid to single sexual abuse Plaintiff.
Why Choose The Zalkin Law Firm, LLP?
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Education
We engage in conferences, speak to professionals, and present to leaders & community members to foster education on Child Sexual Abuse
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Litigation
We hold those accountable by taking legal action. Let us fight for you, so you can begin the healing process.
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LegistlationWe are actively trying to change the laws and have the state legislature address the most pressing issues.
What to Do After Being Sexually Assaulted
If you've been sexually assaulted in Colorado, it's crucial to take several steps to ensure your safety, well-being, and pursuit of justice. Here are the steps you should consider taking:
- Ensure Your Safety: If you're in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency services number. Find a safe place away from the perpetrator.
- Seek Medical Attention: It's essential to seek medical care as soon as possible, even if you don't have visible injuries. Medical professionals can treat any injuries, provide emergency contraception, test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and collect evidence for forensic examination. Most hospitals have a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) trained to handle these cases sensitively.
- Preserve Evidence: Try to avoid bathing, showering, changing clothes, or washing any part of your body before seeking medical attention, as this could wash away crucial evidence. If possible, preserve any clothing worn during the assault in a paper bag (not plastic) and avoid touching or disturbing the crime scene.
- Report the Assault: You have the option to report the assault to law enforcement. You can contact your local police department or the county sheriff's office to file a report. Be prepared to provide as much detail as possible about the assault, including the perpetrator's description, location, and any other relevant information.
- Consider Support: Sexual assault can be traumatic, and it's essential to seek support from trusted friends, family members, or a counselor. You can also contact organizations such as the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) or local sexual assault hotlines for confidential support and resources.
- Consider Legal Options: You may want to explore your legal options, including both criminal and civil avenues. In the criminal process, the state prosecutes the perpetrator for violating criminal laws. In the civil process, you can pursue a lawsuit against the perpetrator for damages. Consider consulting with a qualified attorney who specializes in sexual assault cases to understand your rights and options.
- Cooperate with Law Enforcement: If you choose to report the assault to law enforcement, cooperate with investigators throughout the investigation process. This may involve providing statements, participating in lineups or identifications, and testifying in court if the case goes to trial.
- Follow Up on Medical Care: Continue to follow up with medical providers for any necessary follow-up care, such as STI testing, counseling, or additional medical treatment.
- Understand Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with your rights as a survivor of sexual assault. In Colorado, survivors have certain rights, including the right to have a victim advocate present during interviews and court proceedings.
Leaders in Innovation, Change, & Justice
Meet Our Dedicated Team of Legal Professionals
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I showed up to my relationship with The Zalkin Law Firm, LLP messy, terrified and in severe distress. Ryan, Devin and Irwin held space for me and all of my pain. They honored my story, treated me with kindness, and gave me a safe place to begin the healing process. The greatest gift of all is this; each time I asked for a hero, they handed me a sword. I was empowered.- Kate
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“Having been privileged to work with these professionals, I highly recommend and trust them to handle any sexual abuse case in confidence and handled with the utmost of confidentiality and integrity anyone would desire as a victim or a survivor.”- Guy
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“My experience with The Zalkin Law Firm, LLP has been life-altering. It was a pleasure to work with every employee at the firm. They made me feel as if they genuinely cared about me while maintaining a professional statute.”- Alex
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“The Zalkin Law Firm, LLP does not just represent their clients, The feeling they put into their cases makes you feel like you are part of a family. I can proudly say that I am part of a brotherhood and sisterhood of genuine and caring people.”- Jason
Colorado Sexual Assault Attorney
Standing with Survivors for 20+ Years
At The Zalkin Law Firm, LLP, we have devoted our careers to fighting for justice and closure for sexual abuse and assault survivors. We understand how the horrific trauma of abuse and assault can negatively impact a survivor for years, even decades, after the initial crime, as well as how feelings of shame, fear, and confusion can make it difficult to speak up.
If you have been the victim of abuse or assault, our Colorado attorney team is here to help. We take a compassionate approach to legal counsel, prioritizing your comfort and listening with a nonjudgmental ear. In court, we will aggressively advocate for your rights, as we have for hundreds of clients in single- and multi-victim cases over the past 20+ years. Time and again, we have won multimillion-dollar verdicts against abusers and the large corporations—even those with global influence—that covered up their crimes. Our attorneys even push to protect the rights of survivors through legislation: Attorney Kristian Roggendorf played an instrumental role in the making and passage of SB21-088, one of two historic state laws that have eliminated the civil statute of limitations, or deadline, on these cases.
When you’re ready, our Colorado sexual assault lawyers are here for you. Contact The Zalkin Law Firm, LLP online for a free and confidential consultation.
