Boulder Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer

The Me Too movement (#MeToo) is bringing much-needed attention to sexual assault and sexual harassment. Individuals and institutions are now talking and recognizing just how prevalent sexual harassment and sexual violence are. The legal, professional, and personal consequences related to allegations of sexual assault and sexual harassment are rapidly evolving. Mostly, such consequences are now quicker and harsher than they used to be.

The issues raised by the #MeToo movement and the conversations around those issues are important. Work needs to be done to prevent sexual harassment and sexual violence from occurring, and sexual harassment and sexual assault should not be normalized.

It is also true that if you have been accused of sexual harassment or sexual assault, that does not mean that you deserve to be ignored or railroaded. You deserve and are entitled to, an effective and thorough defense to ensure that the merits of your particular situation are not overlooked as a result of external cultural pressure. This is true in the context of court proceedings, and it is also true in the context of professional licensing and other proceedings.

If you have been wrongfully accused of committing sexual assault or harassment, our Boulder sexual assault defense attorneys at Dolan + Zimmerman can help.

Why Choose Us

It’s natural to be hesitant, but taking action is the first step in defending yourself and getting justice. Our Boulder sexual assault defense attorneys at Dolan + Zimmerman LLP will have the resources, knowledge and experience necessary to build a strong defense for you and help you fight any charges against you.

We ensure each client is given the attention and effective representation they deserve by purposefully being selective with our cases.
Our lawyers care about your voice and will take the time to listen to your story, then develop an individualized legal strategy according to your goals.
We make it a priority to protect and respect your privacy throughout the entire legal process.

Why Hire a Boulder Sexual Assault Defense Attorney?

A criminal defense lawyer in Boulder can help you stand up and fight for your rights in the face of something as terrible as being wrongfully accused of sexual harassment or assault. Seeking justice can require:

An investigation into the facts surrounding your arrest and charges.
Gathering evidence and documentation that supports your innocence, as well as calls into question aspects of the prosecution’s case.
Use of an attorney’s past experience and knowledge to develop an effective legal strategy.
Hiring expert witnesses to testify on your behalf.
Fighting to have the charges dropped or reduced, whether by plea bargain or at trial.

A sexual harassment and assault lawyer knows exactly how to mount a defense and obtain the best possible outcome.

Sexual Harassment vs. Assault

The terms sexual harassment and sexual assault are often used interchangeably. However, harassment and assault differ in significant ways and, depending on the circumstances, require different legal approaches to address.

Sexual harassment refers to unwanted sexual attention and is a much broader legal category than assault. Incidents of sexual harassment are broken down into two primary categories by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC):

Quid Pro Quo (Sexual Coercion): refers to implied or expressed requests for sexual favors. In return, the harasser may either offer some type of reward or threaten punishment.
Hostile Environments: situations where an individual creates an unsafe atmosphere with their speech or conduct. For instance, requests for dates, inappropriate touching, jokes, or degrading comments about your sex.

Sexual assault, on the other hand, can describe a range of criminal acts that are sexual in nature. For example, from unwanted touching and kissing to rubbing, groping, or forcing the victim to touch the perpetrator in sexual ways. But sexual assault overlaps with rape because the term includes rape.

Should I Cooperate With a Police Investigation?

If you have been accused of sexual harassment or assault, it is not in your best interests to give a statement to law enforcement officers. Even if you know you are innocent, it is still possible to say something that could be misinterpreted and used against you later. Though it is entirely understandable that you may want to assist police with their investigation, you need to look out for yourself and your future. Wait to answer any questions until you have an experienced Boulder sex crimes defense lawyer by your side.

What Is Title IX?

Title IX of the Education Amendments is the federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in all federally funded education programs and activities. Title IX requires that colleges and universities take action to prevent and address claims of sexual harassment.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act addresses these same types of accusations, only in the workplace.

The legal and social consequences of a sexual assault charge or conviction can be devastating to a person’s life. You can wind up facing significant consequences, including:

Suspension or expulsion from college
Prison time
Required registration as a sex offender
A permanent criminal record
A tarnished or damaged reputation among friends, family and neighbors
Restrictions on housing and employment opportunities

Contact a Boulder Sexual Assault Defense Attorney Today

These laws, combined with the #MeToo movement, push authorities to act quickly. Universities take action independent of the courts’ system, often barring an accused student from being present on campus well before any legal determination of guilt has occurred.

This is why it’s crucial to take action right away if you have been accused of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or misconduct, or if you have reason to believe that you may be. You should reach out to an attorney immediately, even if no charges have been filed. If the police are asking you questions or if your school or university is contacting you regarding any such allegations, you are under investigation and you need immediate legal representation.

Sexual assault allegations will not just go away. Call our Boulder attorney or contact us online. Our lawyers understand the seriousness of the accusations you are facing and are prepared to provide information and help.