O’Fallon, IL Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Our sexual abuse attorneys in O’Fallon, IL, understand the fears that might prevent survivors from taking legal action against an abuser. That’s why Morelli Law Firm steps up to mitigate those concerns. You don’t need to worry about financial pressure, retaliation, or other forms of misconduct – our team is here to help you get back on your feet.

Securing representation from an O’Fallon personal injury lawyer allows you to hold an abuser financially responsible for the bills and other expenses related to your care. Our team can help you outline the economic impact your abuse has had on your life. We can then defend your right to a fair settlement in or out of court. 

You can contact us today to book a FREE case assessment.

How to Identify Sexual Abuse

The term “sexual abuse” refers to a range of behaviors that see an adult, or someone over the age of 18, involved in sexual contact with someone under the age of 18. These behaviors may include the following:

• Groping
• Requesting inappropriate pictures from minors
• Blackmailing a minor into sexual activities
• Rape

The age of the Internet has seen the term “sexual abuse” expand in definition and possible impact. If you or someone you love believe you endured digital sexual abuse, let our office know. Sexual abuse lawyers in O’Fallon can help break down the laws surrounding AI revenge porn, grooming, and other forms of inappropriate digital contact.

Illinois and “Romeo and Juliet” Laws

Note that Illinois does not have a “Romeo and Juliet” law in place. “Romeo and Juliet” exemption laws often allow two parties close in age to engage in a sexual relationship, even if one of those parties is a minor. 

The lack of a “Romeo and Juliet” law in Illinois means that all parties who engage in sexual activities with a minor can be found criminally and civilly accountable for harm done to that minor.

What to Do in the Face of Sexual Abuse

Our team recommends that you reach out to an attorney shortly after you experience sexual abuse. We can then help you communicate the nature of your case to police officers and other relevant parties. Our presence can prevent officers or other parties from dismissing the concerns you bring forward.

What’s more, we can help you compile a personal injury claim against your abuser. You can file this claim at the same time that the state takes criminal action against an offending party. So long as you file your claim within Illinois’s personal injury statute of limitations, you can fight for damages addressing the following losses:

• Emergency medical care
• Physical therapy
• Psychological therapy
• Long-term medical treatments
• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of income
• Loss of the ability to work

Our personal injury lawyers in O’Fallon will always advocate for your right to maximize abuse compensation. You can meet with our team free of charge to discuss what financial aid you might receive after filing your claim.

What Services to Expect From O’Fallon Sexual Abuse Attorneys

A sexual abuse lawyer in O’Fallon can offer you and your loved ones comprehensive services in and out of civil court. These can include the following:

• Compiling the evidence needed to meet Illinois’s burden of proof
• Calculating the value of your loss-based damages
• Mediating between you and the liable party, as applicable
• Recommending protective action, including the filing of a protective order
• Updating you on the progress of any criminal cases brought against a liable party
• Offering advice on how to pursue the compensation you deserve
• Representing your best interests in and out of civil court

You can learn more about our available services by reading through our client testimonials. Morelli Law Firm has helped hundreds of clients like you overcome the losses that stem from unchecked sexual abuse. We make a point to represent our survivors without adding to their stress or putting them in harm’s way.

What About Criminal Sexual Abuse Cases?

Sexual abuse constitutes criminal behavior in the eyes of Illinois’s justice system. However, the personal injury lawyers with Morelli Law Firm do not oversee the pursuit of a criminal case against an offending party. Survivors like you can collaborate with state representatives if the state opts to take legal action against an abuser.

Because Illinois’s statutes state that all parties who engage in a sex act with someone under 17 years old can face criminal consequences for their misconduct, there’s a good chance that state prosecutors may call on you to testify against an abuser. Should the court find your abuser guilty of misconduct, you can submit those findings to a civil judge.

While a criminal conviction does not guarantee you the right to hold an abuser financially accountable for your recovery, that conviction does serve as proof of negligence. This means that a conviction can make it considerably easier for you to get the sexual abuse compensation you need to recover.

Your Sexual Abuse Case Consultation Comes Free of Charge

Morelli Law Firm wants a survivor like you to have control over how their life progresses. We believe in restoring your autonomy and have the tools to help you get the job done. When you meet with our sexual abuse lawyers in O’Fallon, IL, you can secure the representation you need to hold an abuser accountable for your recovery.

We recommend that survivors interested in taking legal action against their abusers contact us ASAP. Our team can sit down with you during a FREE case evaluation to discuss the means you can use to take back control of your life.