Greeley Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Some wounds go deeper than anyone can see. Sexual abuse leaves survivors with trauma that affects every part of life – emotionally, physically, and financially. At The Wilhite Law Firm, we will help you find justice, whatever that looks like for you. Our Greeley sexual abuse lawyers pursue compensation, expose abusers, and protect your privacy throughout the process. Our Greeley office serves as our local base for helping clients throughout the area.

We do this work for one reason: survivors deserve support, respect, and answers. We will take your story seriously, and we will never rush you. Our team has extensive experience in criminal defense, including handling sex crime cases such as sexual assault, unlawful sexual contact, and internet exploitation. We are committed to building a strong defense and protecting your legal rights at every stage.

When you’re ready, we’re here to listen and take action. Contact us to schedule a free consultation or a free consultation today to discuss your legal rights and options.

Civil Action for Survivors: A Path to Justice

The criminal justice system doesn’t always deliver closure. Many survivors find more control through civil claims, despite its downsides. You don’t need a prosecutor or a conviction to file a lawsuit. Civil lawsuits are based on allegations of abuse and require a thorough investigation to uncover the truth and establish legal responsibility. In these cases, the victim must provide evidence of the harm suffered, and victims are entitled to seek compensation and legal protection for the damages they have endured. Colorado civil law allows you to:

• Seek money for medical and mental health treatment
• Hold abusers and institutions to their legal responsibility
• Push for changes in safety policies
• Reclaim a voice that abuse tried to silence

A civil lawsuit cannot erase what happened, but it can bring real accountability. Survivors deserve that. Taking legal action can offer peace of mind and a sense of control. These claims give people a chance to speak their truth, not just in courtrooms but in the communities that once looked away. Every survivor who steps forward sends a clear message that silence protects predators, not people.

What Counts as Sexual Abuse in Civil Court? 

You may have a valid case even if your experience doesn’t match what people picture as “typical” abuse. Civil law includes many forms of misconduct:

• Abuse by teachers, doctors, or clergy
• Exploitation of minors by adults in positions of trust, including crimes involving a child such as sexual contact or sex offenses
• Repeated grooming and manipulation
• Inappropriate touching, exposure, or threats
• Assault during medical or therapeutic care
• Unlawful sexual contact
• Unwanted sexual contact

Colorado law recognizes that abuse shows up in many forms. Survivors often describe confusing, coercive, or manipulative experiences that don’t fit one narrow definition. Colorado law defines sexual contact and sexual assaults broadly, including acts without consent. The legal definition of consent is crucial in determining whether an act is considered sexual assault or abuse, and lack of consent can make certain acts crimes under Colorado law. You do not need to prove violent force. Many survivors were manipulated, ignored, or trapped by power dynamics.

Victims of sex crimes may have legal recourse even if the conduct did not involve physical force. A sex offense conviction can carry significant legal and social consequences, including registration requirements and social stigma. Our team of Greeley sexual abuse attorneys can explain whether Colorado law supports your claim.

Who Can Be Sued for Abuse?

Civil lawsuits target both abusers and those who enabled them. Our sexual abuse lawyers in Greeley investigate:

• Churches that moved abusers rather than reporting them
• Schools that failed to protect students
• Youth organizations with poor oversight
• Employers who dismissed complaints
• Camps and daycare centers with inadequate screening

These institutions often ignored signs or buried reports to avoid scandal. We will review decades of documents, examine internal memos, and interview witnesses to uncover negligence and prove the pattern. A thorough investigation is essential to identify all liable parties and gather the evidence needed to hold them accountable.

Some groups try to limit responsibility by blaming survivors or claiming they didn’t know. Others rely on confusing chains of command or incomplete documentation. We know how to fight those defenses. Institutional accountability requires legal pressure. We do not stop until we uncover the truth.

Time Limits to File a Lawsuit

Colorado has expanded rights for survivors, but deadlines still matter – and missing one could end your case before it starts. Statutes vary based on your age, when you discovered the harm, and who the defendant is:

• There is no time limit for childhood sexual abuse. You can file at any age.
• Adult survivors may file within six years of realizing the abuse caused long-term harm. This rule recognizes that trauma may take time to surface.
• Colorado law allows lawsuits against organizations that enable the abuse of minors. This includes churches, schools, and camps that failed to prevent or report abuse.

Recent changes by the Colorado legislature have extended or removed statutes of limitations for certain sexual abuse cases, making it easier for survivors to seek justice.

Every case moves at its own pace, and healing doesn’t follow a legal calendar. Our sexual abuse attorneys in Greeley will review the facts and explain exactly where you stand. Delays can close the door on your options. A conversation now helps protect your right to act later.

Financial Recovery in Sexual Abuse Cases

We know money can’t erase what happened. No amount of compensation makes up for the pain you’ve lived through. However, civil damages can provide support that helps you move forward with more stability and control.

A lawsuit may include payment for:

• Therapy and mental health treatment
• Medical expenses linked to the trauma
• Lost income or setbacks in your career
• Emotional pain, anxiety, and psychological distress
• Loss of quality of life or personal relationships

Some cases also qualify for punitive damages. These go beyond reimbursement. They punish egregious behavior and show that silence and negligence carry serious consequences.

We partner with financial experts to account for your future needs, not just your past. That way, your case reflects the full impact of the abuse and gives you a path toward meaningful recovery.

Civil vs. Criminal Action

Civil law puts the survivor in control. You decide when and how to act. Other differences include:

• Lower burden of proof (preponderance of evidence), compared to the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard required in criminal cases
• No need for state prosecutors or law enforcement
• Greater privacy protections
• Focus on the survivor’s needs, not criminal punishment

In criminal cases, especially those involving a sex crime, prosecutors must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt—a much higher standard than in civil cases. The status of the alleged victim can significantly impact sentencing and penalties in criminal sex crime cases, making it crucial to have a robust legal defense.

If someone is convicted of a sex offense in Colorado, they may face prison time, indeterminate sentencing (such as “ten years to life”), and mandatory sex offender registration. Sex offenders are subject to ongoing supervision and monitoring, with the Sex Offender Management Board setting standards for their assessment, treatment, and management. Sex offenders must comply with strict sex offender registration requirements, and failure to do so can result in additional penalties. Anyone under investigation for a sex crime should exercise their right to remain silent to protect themselves during police questioning.

Criminal charges often depend on state interests. Civil cases center on you. Our job is to keep the focus where it belongs – on your experience and your goals.

Criminal courts rarely provide the kind of support survivors actually need. Civil courts give you the chance to ask for what matters – therapy costs, lost income, and the emotional toll. That kind of recovery helps people start to rebuild.

Privacy and Confidentiality

We understand how personal these cases feel. That’s why our legal team builds in layers of protection. Courts often allow you to file as a pseudonym like  Jane or John Doe. We will keep filings sealed when possible and limit public access to sensitive information.

You can pursue justice without exposing your identity. We will make sure your voice is heard without risking your safety, employment, or reputation. We also respect your boundaries – whether you want to move quickly or take more time to decide.

Even internal firm communications stay private. We use encrypted tools, secure servers, and strict confidentiality protocols to protect every part of your case.

Choosing the Right Law Firm

The Wilhite Law Firm has served Colorado since 1977. We have earned our reputation by standing with people who feel unheard and overlooked. That includes survivors of sexual abuse. Hiring an experienced attorney is crucial for sex abuse cases to ensure your rights are protected and your case is handled with the utmost care.

Our law office is committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation for survivors. Our attorneys have extensive experience in both civil and criminal cases, including backgrounds as a public defender and defense attorney. We know how to uncover evidence of abuse, prove institutional failure, and protect survivors every step of the way.

The Wilhite Law Firm will connect you with trauma-informed professionals. We answer your calls. We respect your timeline. And we never treat your case like a transaction. This is about truth, healing, and real justice.

What Happens After You Call

First, we will listen. Then, we ask questions to understand your goals. If we take your case, we start by gathering records, reviewing facts, and identifying every possible source of liability. We also assess how institutions failed you and identify all legal options, not just the obvious ones. In addition, we support individuals who have been accused of abuse and need guidance in responding to allegations.

We build strong legal claims without dragging you through unnecessary steps. You stay in control, and we will handle the heavy lifting.

You owe nothing unless we win. That allows you to focus on recovery while we fight for your future. We will also explain timelines, legal terms, and strategy at each phase so you never feel lost.

Frequently Asked Questions on Sexual Abuse Claims

Survivors often have questions before they feel ready to act. These answers address some of the most common concerns we hear from people considering a civil sexual abuse lawsuit, including issues related to sex crimes, sex offenses, sex crime cases, child pornography, internet exploitation, and prostitution.

Can I sue for abuse even if it happened years ago?

Yes, Colorado law extends the timeline for many survivors. Adult survivors often have six years from the moment they recognize the long-term effects of the abuse. There is no limit for childhood abuse. Talk to us to confirm your case. 

What if the person who abused me has died?

You may still have a valid case. Civil claims can target institutions or estates, depending on the circumstances. We can help you explore every possible path forward.

Do I have to testify in court?

Not always. Many civil claims settle outside of court. If a trial becomes necessary, we will prepare you carefully and support you every step of the way.

Can I bring a case if I never told anyone about the abuse until now?

Yes. Many survivors stay silent for years. That does not disqualify you from filing a civil claim. Your story matters. We can help you take the next step.

Can I still sue if there was no physical evidence?

Yes. Civil courts do not require physical evidence to move forward. Many survivors rely on testimony, witness statements, or patterns of behavior to support their claims. We know how to build a strong case using the information you have.

Contact a Greeley Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today

You don’t need to have everything figured out before you call. Maybe you just want answers. Maybe you’re ready to act. Either way, The Wilhite Law Firm will meet you where you are.

Our Greeley sexual abuse lawyers understand how personal this decision feels. Our law firm have extensive experience handling Greeley sex crime cases and related legal matters. We’ll listen, explain your legal options, and give you space to decide what comes next – no pressure, no rush.

We also represent clients in other personal injury cases, earning them the justice they deserve. If someone’s negligence caused harm, our Greeley personal injury lawyers can help you understand your rights. Our team of lawyers proudly serve clients throughout Weld County and Fort Collins, in addition to Greeley. Contact us at 970-782-2392 to get started with a free initial consultation and discuss your options.