Denver Sexual Assault Lawyer
Request Free ConsultationA sexual assault is a deeply traumatic experience that isolates survivors and leaves them with deep and lasting emotional wounds. The effects ripple throughout every aspect of the survivor’s life, impacting their families and support systems as well.
If you are a survivor of sexual assault, know that what happened was not your fault, and you have the right to seek justice, support, and compensation. A dedicated Denver sexual assault lawyer at Fuicelli & Lee can provide the confidential guidance and relentless advocacy you deserve.
Our firm is committed to empowering sexual assault victims. We know that no amount of compensation can undo the harm you have suffered, but we believe it can provide the resources necessary for your recovery and hold the responsible parties accountable.
We are here to help you take that step forward, ensuring your voice is heard and that you and your case are positioned for the best possible outcome.
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Why Choose Fuicelli & Lee for Your Sexual Assault Case?
When you are ready to explore your legal options, choosing a law firm with the right experience and approach is essential. How a Denver Personal Injury Lawyer Can Assist You is an important part of that process. At Fuicelli & Lee, we handle these sensitive cases with the dignity they demand, combining legal tenacity with genuine human compassion.
We are experienced trial lawyers ready for court
Several of our attorneys are former prosecutors who have spent years handling complex criminal cases, including those involving sexual violence. We prepare every civil claim as if it will go to trial.
Our meticulous preparation sends a clear message to opposing parties: we will not back down from a fight. We are not a settlement mill; we are a team of trial-tested litigators dedicated to securing your full, fair, and complete compensation.
We have a record of holding powerful people and institutions accountable
Sexual assault cases can be complex, especially when they involve institutions like schools, religious organizations, or corporations that failed to protect you or tried to hide what happened.
We have the resources and fearlessness to stand up to these powerful entities. Our goal is to expose negligence, demand systemic change, and ensure that those who enabled or covered up the abuse are held liable for their actions.
We offer a compassionate, client-centered approach
We recognize the immense courage it takes to come forward. Your well-being is our priority. From your first call with us, you will find a safe and non-judgmental space to share your story. We listen, answer your questions, and provide you with the information you need to make decisions about your future. We limit our caseload to ensure every client receives our team’s undivided attention.
You will never pay upfront fees
Fuicelli & Lee operates on a contingency fee basis. This means you will not pay any upfront costs or legal fees. We only receive a fee if we successfully secure financial compensation for you. This allows you to pursue justice without the added stress of financial burdens during an already difficult time.
We are trusted by the legal community
A significant portion of our cases comes from referrals from other attorneys. This is a testament to our reputation within the legal community for integrity, tenacity, and proven results. When other lawyers have a difficult or complex case, they turn to us because they trust our ability to handle it with skill and dedication.
Key Takeaways for Survivors of Sexual Assault
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- Sexual assault is any nonconsensual sexual contact or conduct; it is a crime and a civil violation.
- The emotional and psychological effects, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, are real injuries.
- Survivors have the right to pursue justice through both the criminal and civil legal systems.
- A civil lawsuit is separate from any criminal case and allows survivors to seek financial compensation for their suffering and losses.
- It is never too late to seek help; support systems and resources are available to aid in your recovery.
- An experienced sexual assault attorney can help you file a civil claim to secure compensation for medical bills, therapy costs, and emotional trauma.
- The legal team at Fuicelli & Lee can guide you through the process with confidentiality and care, protecting your rights along every step.
Sexual Assault and Sexual Abuse in Colorado
The terms “sexual assault” and “sexual abuse” are often used interchangeably, but in a legal context, they can have different meanings. It is helpful to know how Colorado law defines these actions, as it can affect both criminal charges and your civil claim.
Sexual Assault
In Colorado, sexual assault is a specific criminal charge defined by statute. This offense is part of a broader legal category of sex crimes that involve unlawful sexual contact. These crimes often involve force, threats, or the inability of the victim to give consent. The state prosecutes sexual assaults as felonies.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is a broader term that encompasses a wide range of unwanted sexual behaviors. While it includes criminal acts of sexual assault, it can also describe a pattern of harmful conduct that may occur over time, such as sexual exploitation, stalking, exposure to sexual acts or materials without consent, online sexual abuse, and others.
Whether the harm you suffered is defined as assault, abuse, or misconduct, it is a serious violation. In the civil justice system, you have the right to hold the perpetrator and any responsible institutions accountable for any form of nonconsensual sexual harm.
The Devastating and Far-Reaching Impact of Sexual Assault
The trauma of sexual assault extends far beyond a single moment. It creates ripples that can affect every area of a survivor’s life for years to come. How Much Compensation Do You Get will depend on the specific details of your case, and a civil lawsuit seeks to acknowledge the full scope of this harm by demanding compensation for the profound disruptions it causes.
The emotional and psychological toll
For most survivors, the deepest wounds are invisible. The emotional and psychological aftermath of sexual assault can be severe and long-lasting. Many individuals experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can manifest as flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.
It is also common to struggle with depression, trust issues, and feelings of anger or shame. These conditions are not signs of weakness; they are a normal human response to an abnormal and traumatic event.
The physical consequences
Sexual assault can cause direct physical injuries, from bruises and cuts to more severe internal harm. Survivors may also contract sexually transmitted diseases or face other long-term health complications. The stress of the trauma itself can manifest physically, leading to chronic pain, gastrointestinal problems, and other stress-related conditions. Your physical well-being is a critical part of your recovery.
The financial and professional disruption
The impact of sexual assault often creates significant financial strain. Survivors may need extensive medical treatment and ongoing therapy, leading to substantial bills.
The emotional trauma can make it difficult to maintain employment, resulting in lost wages and diminished earning capacity. In some cases, a survivor may need to move or take other costly steps to ensure their safety.
Civil claims are designed to address these burdens, providing the resources needed to rebuild your life.
Your Legal Paths to Justice in Denver
Survivors of sexual assault in Denver have two distinct avenues for seeking justice: the criminal court system and the civil court system. These paths serve different purposes and can proceed at the same time.
Many of the lawyers at Fuicelli & Lee are former prosecutors who now represent survivors in civil claims.
The criminal justice process
A criminal case begins when a survivor reports the assault to law enforcement. The police investigate, and the district attorney decides whether to file criminal charges against the perpetrator.
The goal of a criminal case is to punish the offender for breaking the law. A conviction can result in penalties like prison time, fines, and registration as a sex offender. In this process, the survivor is a key witness for the state, but the state, not the survivor, controls the case.
The civil justice process
A civil lawsuit is a private legal action that you, the survivor, initiate with the help of a Denver sexual assault lawyer. The primary goal of a civil claim is to secure financial compensation for the harm you have endured. This process puts you in control. You decide whether to file a lawsuit, who to name as a defendant, and whether to accept a settlement.
The standard of proof is also different. In a criminal case, the prosecutor must prove guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.” In a civil case, you only need to prove your case by a “preponderance of the evidence,” meaning it is more likely than not that the assault occurred.
This lower burden of proof means a survivor can win a civil lawsuit even if the perpetrator was not convicted or even charged in criminal court.
Holding Institutions Accountable for Negligence
Sometimes, a sexual assault could have been prevented if an organization or institution had acted responsibly. In these situations, it is possible to hold not only the individual abuser accountable but also the entity that failed to protect you. This is a critical aspect of many sexual assault civil claims.
These institutions can include:
- Schools, colleges, and universities
- Churches and religious organizations
- Hospitals and medical clinics
- Nursing homes and care facilities
- Youth organizations, sports leagues, and camps
- Corporations and businesses
Institutions such as these can be held liable if their negligence contributed to the sexual abuse or allowed it to happen. For example, a school might be liable if it failed to conduct a proper background check on a teacher who had a history of inappropriate conduct.
A company could be at fault if it ignored previous complaints of sexual harassment against a manager. Pursuing a claim against an institution is not just about compensation; it is about forcing change and ensuring policies are put in place to protect others from similar harm.
Compensation to Support Your Recovery
While no amount of money can truly compensate for the trauma of sexual assault, a civil lawsuit can secure the financial resources you need to heal and move forward. Maximizing Your Compensation is a priority, and a skilled Denver sexual assault attorney will carefully assess the full extent of your damages to ensure your claim reflects everything you have lost.
We fight to recover compensation for:
- Medical and therapeutic expenses: This covers all costs for hospital visits, ongoing therapy, counseling, medication, and any other medical care related to the assault.
- Lost income and earning capacity: If the trauma has forced you to miss work or has impacted your ability to earn a living in the future, we will seek to recover those losses.
- Pain and suffering: This compensates for the profound physical pain and emotional distress you have endured because of the assault.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: This acknowledges how the trauma has affected your ability to enjoy daily activities, relationships, and hobbies.
- Punitive damages: In cases where the abuser’s or institution’s conduct was particularly malicious or reckless, Colorado law allows for punitive damages. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Denver Sexual Assault Claims
Taking the first step toward legal action can bring up many questions. Here are answers to some common concerns we hear from survivors.
What is the deadline for filing a sexual assault lawsuit in Colorado?
The statute of limitations for filing a civil lawsuit for sexual assault in Colorado (S.B. 21-073) can be complex. The time limit depends on factors like the age of the survivor when the assault occurred and the specific circumstances of the case.
Recent changes in Colorado law have extended these deadlines for many survivors, particularly for those who were abused as children. Speak with an attorney as soon as possible to understand the specific time limits that apply to your situation.
Will I have to face my abuser in court?
Many sexual assault civil cases are resolved through a settlement before ever reaching a courtroom. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who will work to achieve a fair settlement on your behalf. However, if your case goes to trial, we will protect you and ensure you feel supported and prepared for every step.
What if I don’t have much evidence?
It is a common misconception that you need a mountain of physical evidence to have a valid claim. Many successful sexual assault cases are built on the survivor’s testimony, along with supporting evidence from therapists, medical professionals, or witnesses who noticed changes in your behavior. Text messages, emails, and journals can also be powerful evidence. Do not let a perceived lack of evidence stop you from exploring your options.
Will my case be confidential?
Yes. We understand the paramount importance of privacy in these matters. Your consultation with us is completely confidential. While court filings are generally public records, we take every possible measure to protect our clients’ privacy throughout the legal process, including using pseudonyms where permitted and negotiating confidentiality clauses in settlement agreements.
Meet Our Team of Denver Sexual Assault Attorneys
Our team of experienced sexual assault attorneys is committed to helping sexual abuse survivors in Denver and throughout Colorado navigate challenging sexual abuse cases.
Fuicelli & Lee Injury Lawyers Partner Krislene Lorenz has devoted much of her career to helping victims of sexual abuse, both as a prosecutor and now in civil litigation. Her experience includes trying more than 100 cases in front of a jury, helping many child victims of sexual abuse, sexual assault, and other violence pursue justice against their perpetrators.
Krislene brings her profound understanding of these sensitive cases to help survivors hold institutions accountable and obtain the compensation they deserve. Her combination of extensive courtroom experience and ability to connect with her clients makes her a powerful advocate for those who have been hurt by the actions of others.
Matthew Durkin has dedicated his legal career to advocating for victims of child sexual abuse, physical abuse, homicide, and other serious crimes. He first championed victims in criminal court, spending several years leading the Criminal Justice Section of the Colorado Attorney General’s Office as Deputy Attorney General and, more recently, as Jefferson County Chief Deputy District Attorney.
Now an experienced civil litigator, Matthew has expanded his focus to include helping victims in cases of bad faith insurance claims, wrongful death, and catastrophic injuries caused by negligence. His pursuit of justice has led him to make multiple appearances on national television, including NBC’s Dateline and CBS’s 48 Hours.
Lori Tolle is an exceptional trial attorney whose dedication to seeking justice for children began during her decade-long tenure as a deputy district attorney in Jefferson County. There, she fought tirelessly for victims of sexual abuse, physical violence, and homicide, honing her courtroom skills and achieving numerous successful verdicts.
In the DA’s Crimes Against Children unit, she excelled in tackling complex cases, including cases of abuse involving severe head and brain trauma.
Now a personal injury attorney with Fuicelli & Lee, Lori channels that same tenacity and passion into civil litigation, securing millions in verdicts and settlements that consistently exceed client expectations. True to her goal of providing “every tool, resource, and opportunity” for her clients, she empowers survivors to move forward and reclaim their futures.
Take the First Step Toward Healing and Justice
Coming forward is an act of immense strength. You have already survived the unimaginable. Now, let us help you take the next step. At Fuicelli & Lee , we provide more than just legal representation; we offer a partnership built on trust, respect, and a relentless pursuit of justice.
We are here to listen to your story, validate your experience, and fight to secure the resources and accountability you need to heal.
Your voice deserves to be heard. When you are ready, our compassionate team is here to help. Call Fuicelli & Lee at (303) 444-4444 or contact us online to schedule a free, completely confidential consultation with one of our trusted Denver sexual assault lawyers. There is no obligation, only support and a genuine concern for your recovery.