Rape Victim Lawyer Sacramento, CA

There are not many crimes as abhorrent as rape. For victims, it can be difficult to navigate the emotional and physical impacts of sexual violence. If you are a survivor, you may be feeling alone and wanting justice to be served. At Kellogg & Van Aken LLP, we offer a safe and supportive place for those who want to come forward and share their story while taking the steps towards holding the offender accountable to the fullest extent of the law possible. Our Sacramento, CA rape victim lawyer can provide a confidential consultation about your options and take the lead on your case as it unfolds. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.

How The Law Recognizes Rape

In the state of California, rape is defined as an act of sexual intercourse that occurs without consent. Rape can happen by violence, force, or duress. The victim may have been drugged, unconscious, intoxicated, coerced, trafficked, or disabled. Rape may have been inflicted by a stranger, friend, spouse, partner, acquaintance, or someone in a position of power who holds authority over the victim. Positions of power that people may abuse include prison guards, priests, teachers, coaches, and military personnel. It does not matter what age or background you come from, as rape can happen to anyone. No matter the circumstances or environment, please know that you are not alone in this and it is not your fault.

What To Do As A Survivor

Rape survivors may feel helpless and not sure what to do next. You may be afraid to come forward after being through such a traumatizing experience. Recounting what you experienced could be triggering, and you may worry that if you speak out you won’t be believed by others. You can rest assured that our law firm is a safe place where you are not in any danger. Our Sacramento rape victim lawyer can make sure you get a medical examination if needed. Whatever you do, do not blame yourself for anything. Those who choose to inflict heinous actions onto others should be held responsible without any leniency.

Kellogg & Van Aken LLP

If you are considering taking legal action after a rape or sexual assault incident, contact Kellogg & Van Aken LLP when you are ready to begin. It is common for survivors to be in a state of emotional and mental distress, shame, guilt, flashbacks, anxiety, depression, sadness, and shock. Please take care of your mental health. If you have friends or family that you trust, lean on them for support. If you need immediate access to an anti-sexual violence organization, reach out to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network). They have a hotline you can contact that operates 24 hours a day at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). We know how important it is for rape survivors to have the resources they need along with compassionate legal guidance. Our Sacramento rape victim lawyer is knowledgeable about the process and can give you a comfortable place to learn about your rights. We can speak with you today.

Trusting Your Attorney After Filing A Rape Claim

Filing a rape claim is a difficult and emotional process, as our Sacramento, CA rape victim lawyer. Trusting your attorney is essential to feeling supported and secure throughout your case. A strong attorney-client relationship allows you to share sensitive information openly, knowing that your attorney will protect your interests and handle your case with care and discretion.

Trust is built through consistent communication and a clear understanding of how your case is being handled. Your attorney should take the time to listen to your concerns, explain the legal process in straightforward terms, and keep you informed about any developments. Open and honest communication helps create a sense of security and reassures you that your case is being handled with care. Your lawyer will help guide you through which steps to take. Attorney Kelly Van Aken represents minors and adults in sexual abuse cases and you can trust her with help during this difficult time.

Signs Your Attorney Is Acting In Your Best Interest

A Sacramento rape victim lawyer who values your trust will treat you with respect and show genuine concern for your well-being. They will be transparent about your legal options and provide realistic expectations without making promises they cannot keep. Your attorney should respond to your questions promptly and clearly, making sure you understand the steps involved in your case.

Another sign of trustworthiness is confidentiality. You should feel comfortable sharing personal details, knowing that your attorney will keep that information private unless disclosure is necessary for your case. Protecting your privacy and maintaining confidentiality reflects a commitment to your trust and security.

Red Flags That May Undermine Trust

If your attorney avoids your questions, provides vague answers, or seems disinterested in your concerns, these may be warning signs that your trust is misplaced. A lack of responsiveness or inconsistent communication can make you feel uncertain and unsupported. Similarly, if your attorney pressures you to make decisions without fully explaining the consequences, it may indicate that they are not prioritizing your best interests.

You should also feel that your attorney respects your boundaries and listens to your preferences. If you feel uncomfortable or dismissed during conversations, it may be worth reconsidering whether that attorney is the right fit for you. Trust is built on mutual respect and understanding, and any behavior that makes you feel uneasy should not be ignored.

The Importance Of A Supportive Legal Team

Working with an attorney who understands the emotional and legal challenges involved in a rape claim can make a significant difference in how you experience the process. A supportive legal team will help you feel empowered and informed while protecting your rights. Feeling heard and respected throughout your case strengthens trust and gives you confidence in the outcome.

At Kellogg & Van Aken LLP, we understand the importance of trust when handling sensitive cases like rape claims and timing matters when it comes to filing. We are committed to providing respectful and compassionate legal guidance every step of the way. We have been named The Top 40 Under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers. If you need legal support, contact our Sacramento rape victim lawyer today to discuss how we can help you move forward with confidence.

Evidence When You Want To File A Rape Claim

As our Sacramento, CA rape victim lawyer knows, filing a rape claim is a serious legal process that requires strong evidence to support the case. While every situation is different, certain types of evidence can help establish what happened and who is responsible. We are passionate about advocating on behalf of victims and will provide you with exceptional legal services. A lawyer will review all available information to build a clear and convincing argument and guide you on what steps to take.

1. Physical Evidence Collected After the Assault. If a medical exam was performed after the assault, the results can provide important physical evidence. A sexual assault forensic exam, sometimes called a rape kit, can document injuries, collect DNA samples, and preserve other physical traces of the assault. Even if an exam was not conducted, any medical records showing injuries related to the attack can be useful in the case.
2. Communications Between You and the Accused. Any messages, emails, or voicemails exchanged between you and the accused before or after the assault could help establish a timeline of events. In some cases, these communications may show threats, coercion, or an admission of wrongdoing. Even indirect conversations, such as an apology or an attempt to silence you, may be relevant.
3. Witness Statements and Testimonies. If anyone witnessed the assault or saw you immediately afterward, their statements could support your case. As your Sacramento rape victim lawyer can tell you, witnesses may include friends, family, or even strangers who noticed signs of distress or unusual behavior. In some cases, other victims may come forward with similar accounts, which can help show a pattern of misconduct by the accused.
4. Medical and Psychological Records. Seeking medical attention or counseling after an assault is common, and these records may serve as evidence of the emotional and physical effects of the attack. A history of therapy sessions, prescriptions for anxiety or depression, or doctor’s notes on physical injuries can help demonstrate the impact of the crime.
5. Reports Made to Law Enforcement or Other Authorities. If you reported the assault to the police, church officials, school administrators, or another authority, those records could be important evidence. Police reports, restraining orders, or internal investigations by an institution may document your claims and show whether any action was taken. Even if no charges were filed at the time, these reports help establish that you took steps to report the crime.
6. Surveillance Footage or Digital Evidence. If the assault happened in a public place, a workplace, or a building with security cameras, surveillance footage may exist. A lawyer can help request access to video recordings that could support your case. Other digital evidence, such as location data from cell phones or social media activity, may also help confirm key details about where and when the assault occurred.
7. Clothing or Personal Belongings from the Incident. Clothing worn during the assault or other personal items, such as torn fabric or broken jewelry, may contain evidence that supports the claim. If physical items were damaged or left behind during the attack, they could be examined for DNA or other forensic evidence.

Moving Forward With Legal Guidance

Pursuing legal action after a sexual assault can be difficult, but you do not have to do it alone. At Kellogg & Van Aken LLP, we are committed to helping survivors seek justice and hold perpetrators accountable. If you are considering filing a rape claim, contact us for a confidential consultation to see how we can advocate for you. We believe in justice for survivors. Our Sacramento rape victim lawyer is here to listen and help you take the next steps.

Rape Victim Lawyer FAQs

Our trusted Sacramento, CA rape victim lawyer knows that after a sexual assault, seeing a doctor is one of the most important steps you can take for your health and your legal claim. It provides care, documents what happened, and can support your case. We solely represent survivors at our firm. When you need help, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the compassionate lawyers at our firm.

Why Is It Important To See A Doctor After Sexual Assault?

Getting medical care right away is one of the most important steps we can take after a sexual assault. A doctor can treat physical injuries, provide emergency care, and perform a sexual assault forensic exam if the patient chooses. This exam, sometimes called a rape kit, can help collect physical evidence that may support a legal claim. Even if you don’t feel hurt, internal injuries or infections may not be obvious. Medical records from this visit can also serve as documentation of the assault, which can be helpful in both criminal and civil cases.

Can I Still See A Doctor If Time Has Passed Since The Assault?

Yes. While it’s best to seek medical attention as soon as possible, you can still benefit from seeing a doctor even if days or weeks have passed. Our Sacramento rape victim lawyer knows that many survivors wait before seeking help, and that’s completely understandable. Doctors can still check for and treat injuries, screen for sexually transmitted infections, and refer you to follow-up care. The medical visit also creates a record of your experience, which can still support your claim. There’s no deadline to take care of your health, and your well-being should always come first.

Will Seeing A Doctor Help My Legal Case?

It can. Medical records give your legal team information that may support your case, such as documentation of physical trauma or emotional distress. A doctor’s notes may include observations that back up your account of what happened. If you choose to file a civil lawsuit for damages, showing that you sought medical care can demonstrate the impact of the assault. It also shows that you took the situation seriously and did what you could to protect your health. These details matter when building a strong legal claim.

What If I Don’t Want A Rape Kit Exam?

That’s your choice. No one is required to undergo a rape kit exam to seek medical care or take legal action. We support every survivor’s right to decide what feels right for them. A doctor can still treat any injuries, offer preventative medications, and provide referrals for counseling or other support. It’s also still possible to pursue a legal claim without forensic evidence, especially if there are other forms of proof, such as witness statements, text messages, or signs of emotional trauma. Your voice matters, and your case doesn’t depend on one type of evidence.

Can A Doctor Refer Me To Other Resources?

Yes. Doctors often work with sexual assault response teams or local organizations that offer support services. This can include counseling, advocacy, follow-up medical care, or referrals to attorneys. If you’re unsure where to turn, a doctor’s office or hospital can help you connect with the right people. At Kellogg & Van Aken LLP, we’ve worked with many survivors who started their healing and legal journey after a medical visit. That first step — seeking care — can open the door to the support and justice you deserve.

If you’ve experienced sexual assault, we’re here to help you understand your legal options in a safe, respectful environment. Contact Kellogg & Van Aken LLP for a confidential consultation. We have been representing clients who have ben the victim of rape for 7 years. You don’t have to go through this alone — let’s talk about how our Sacramento rape victim lawyer can support you.