Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Boulder

Sexual abuse changes lives. Survivors often carry pain that runs deeper than most people can see – pain that time alone does not erase. At The Wilhite Law Firm, we give that pain a voice. Our Boulder sexual abuse lawyers help survivors hold abusers and negligent institutions accountable, drawing on our extensive experience and knowledge in Boulder criminal defense and sexual abuse cases.

This work is not just legal – it is personal. We meet you where you are, protect your privacy, and help you decide how to move forward. As your advocate, we are committed to defending your rights and supporting you at every step. Some people want a settlement. Others want their day in court. Every path is valid. Every survivor deserves support.

We offer support grounded in law and compassion, not judgment or assumptions. Our team has walked this path with others, and we are prepared to walk it with you. You can feel confident knowing that our extensive experience and knowledge will guide you through this process. Contact The Wilhite Law Firm today for a free consultation to discuss your case.

What a Civil Sexual Abuse Case Can Do

Civil law gives survivors a path to justice, even if prosecutors never filed charges. A lawsuit can help you seek compensation, expose institutional negligence, and stop future abuse. In civil cases, the rights of the victim are central, ensuring their voice is heard and their interests are protected. Civil claims:

• Provide money for medical care, therapy, and income loss
• Hold abusers responsible without requiring a conviction
• Force institutions to answer for failures
• Empower survivors to speak and reclaim control

A civil case leads to acknowledgment and agency. Survivors deserve to tell their stories on their terms and demand accountability from those who failed to protect them. We understand the emotional toll of legal action. In civil sexual abuse cases, damages or liability are determined based on the evidence presented and the specific circumstances of the victim’s experience.

Our team will break the process into manageable steps so that you never feel lost. You decide how the case proceeds. Our Boulder sexual abuse attorneys will focus on protecting your rights and safety.

Who May Be Liable for Sexual Abuse

Abusers often act with access provided by someone else. Many gain trust through jobs or positions inside institutions. In these cases, both the individual and the enabling organization can be held responsible under the laws that govern liability in sexual abuse cases. That includes:

• Churches and religious groups that protect known offenders
• Schools and colleges that ignore red flags or complaints
• Youth programs and teams that skip background checks or oversight
• Health care workers who abuse authority or manipulate vulnerable patients
• Employers who overlook misconduct or create unsafe work environments
• Institutions that fail to prevent or address child abuse
• Organizations that do not protect victims of domestic violence

Our sexual abuse attorneys in Boulder will investigate every layer. We will examine documents, timelines, reports, and past complaints. If an institution allowed the abuse, we will build a case that shows it.

Civil Definitions of Sexual Abuse

Civil sexual abuse cases are distinct from criminal crimes, such as sex crimes or sexual assault. While criminal cases focus on punishing offenders, civil cases seek compensation for victims and hold perpetrators accountable through monetary damages.

You may bring a civil case for any non-consensual or exploitative sexual conduct. Common examples include:

• Childhood abuse by teachers, clergy, or family
• Sexual assault during school, work, or medical treatment
• Sexual violence, including a range of non-consensual acts
• Abuse involving coercion or a power imbalance
• Misconduct against someone with memory loss, disability, or illness
• Forced exposure, touching, or degrading acts

Even if the abuse happened long ago, you might still have a case. Our sexual abuse lawyers in Boulder can evaluate the facts and explain how Colorado law applies.

Statute of Limitations in Colorado Sexual Abuse Cases

Colorado has expanded its protections for survivors through changes in the law. You may still have time to file a civil case, especially if you experienced childhood abuse:

• C.R.S. § 13-80-103.7 removed the civil statute of limitations for claims involving sexual misconduct against children. Survivors of childhood abuse can bring a claim at any age.
• C.R.S. § 13-80-103.9 gives adult survivors up to six years to file a civil claim, depending on when they discovered the abuse caused harm. This discovery rule applies to delayed recognition of trauma or repressed memories.
• C.R.S. § 13-20-1202, the Colorado Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Act, allows survivors to file claims against institutions that knowingly allowed abuse to occur, even if the original abuse happened decades ago.

In addition, federal law such as Title IX may affect the statute of limitations or provide additional protections, especially for cases involving educational institutions that receive federal funding.

Each case involves a different timeline based on the survivor’s age at the time of abuse, their relationship to the abuser, and whether an institution failed to act. Our Boulder sexual assault lawyers will review your history, explain which statute applies, and confirm how much time remains.

What Survivors Can Recover

A civil case can never undo what happened. But it can provide stability, validation, and a path toward healing. Compensation reflects not only your financial losses but also the intensely personal cost of the abuse. Damages may cover:

• Medical and psychological treatment
• Career disruptions and lost wages
• Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
• Reduced quality of life

While civil damages focus on compensating survivors, it is important to note that sexual abuse is also a crime, and criminal penalties—such as imprisonment, fines, and registration requirements—may be imposed through the criminal justice system.

Some cases qualify for punitive damages. These punish the defendant for egregious behavior and send a clear message that abuse carries real consequences, both for individuals and institutions that failed to act.

Legal Paths Available to Boulder Survivors

Survivors have more than one way to seek accountability. Our team explains each route clearly so you understand how the law can support your next step:

• File a civil lawsuit
• Request a confidential settlement
• Report the abuse to police (optional), which may lead to criminal charges and prosecution by the state
• Secure and preserve evidence

Each option serves a different purpose. Some survivors want a formal judgment. Others want privacy or closure without a trial. A civil case is brought by the survivor seeking compensation, while a criminal case involves the state bringing criminal charges and the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. We will build a legal plan that reflects your goals and honors your experience.

What to Expect When You Call

When you reach out, you will speak with a real person who understands the weight of these cases. We will answer your questions, explain your legal options, and let you decide what comes next. You set the pace, and we follow with care and experience.

Your consultation is free. You do not owe anything unless we recover money on your behalf. There is no pressure to act quickly. Just information, clarity, and respect. You can take time to think, ask more questions later, or begin when you feel ready. We are here to support you, not rush you.

Why The Wilhite Law Firm Is the Right Choice

Since 1977, The Wilhite Law Firm has helped thousands of people in Colorado reclaim their lives. We understand how abuse shatters trust – and how legal action can restore it.

As experienced defense attorneys in sex crimes and sex offense cases, we are committed to providing strong legal representation for clients facing these serious charges. Attorney Rob Wilhite brings a deep commitment to survivor-centered advocacy. We focus on holding institutions accountable, and our team is known for care, integrity, and results.

Our lawyers are dedicated to fighting for our clients’ rights, whether they are survivors or individuals accused or convicted of sex offenses. We combine experience with empathy. That means thorough investigations, personalized strategies, and communication that respects your process. Our clients know we never treat them like case numbers. We stay available, informed, and focused until your case reaches a resolution.

If you need legal representation for abuse survivors, you deserve lawyers who bring skill and heart to the table. That is what we offer every day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Civil Sexual Abuse Claims 

The civil process gives survivors the power to seek justice and financial recovery without needing a criminal conviction. Below are answers to the questions we hear most often:

Do I need a criminal conviction to file a civil sexual abuse lawsuit?

No. You can file a civil lawsuit without a conviction or even a police report. Civil cases rely on a lower burden of proof. You only need to show that the abuse more likely than not occurred, not prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 

Can I file anonymously?

Yes. Colorado courts frequently allow survivors to use pseudonyms like Jane Doe or John Doe. Our firm will file all motions needed to protect your identity. We also take extra precautions with how your information is shared and stored.

How long does a civil sexual abuse case take?

Timelines vary. Some cases settle in a few months. Others involve longer investigations or litigation and can last a year or more. We will keep you informed at every stage so that you never feel in the dark.

Will I have to testify in court?

Not necessarily. Many civil claims settle out of court. If a trial becomes necessary, we will prepare you thoroughly. Our team will protect your well-being while building a strong case.

What if the abuse happened years ago?

Colorado law now provides broader timelines for abuse survivors. You may still have a valid claim even if decades have passed. We will assess your case and explain exactly where things stand based on the law.

How We Support Survivors Beyond the Courtroom

At The Wilhite Law Firm, legal support is only part of what we provide. We also help survivors take real steps toward healing. That includes connecting you with therapists, doctors, and advocates who understand trauma and know how to support people who’ve lived through it.

Our legal team respects your emotional process. We don’t rush you. We will listen, explain your options, and help you decide when and how to move forward. Survivors come to us at different stages. No matter where you are, we can meet you there.

We also stay involved long after a case resolves. Many survivors return to us for support, referrals, or help with related matters. That continued connection reflects the level of care we bring to this work.

Speak with a Boulder Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today 

You deserve to feel heard. You deserve to feel safe. And you deserve an experienced team of Boulder sexual abuse lawyers who respects your experience.

Call The Wilhite Law Firm for a free consultation. Our law firm will provide legal help for sexual abuse victims throughout Boulder and beyond. We offer real answers and justice, not empty promises.

Our Boulder personal injury lawyers also handle a wide range of cases involving negligence, assault, and catastrophic harm. If you need guidance, we are here. Give us a call today at 720-679-5285 to get started with a consultation.