Legal Question in Sexual Harassment in California

My 9 year old daughter was sexually assaulted by 14 & 16 year old boys in our neighborhood, who up until this point were friends with our daughter and the next door neighbors daughters. I have reported to police and an investigation is underway. Question... What is going to happen to these boys if the evidence provided by my daughter and others holds true? Do I need to retain an attorney or wait and see what comes from the investigation... I don't have any money, I don't know what to do know but wait for the police to update me with the progress of the investigation.

Asked on 7/26/10, 5:53 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Vanmai Nguyen Robert T. Nguyen Law Office

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This is a question of criminal law. You do not need to hire an attorney. The government, i.e.District Attorney (DA), will represent your daughter at free of charge because the incident here relates to the safety of your daughter specifically and to the safety of the general public as well. Once the investigation is done and if the DA determines that there is a case against these boys, the DA will file charges against them and the case will be captioned as "The people vs. XXXX."

Answered on 7/26/10, 10:38 pm

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You only need your own attorney if you feel you need to sue the boys and their parents to get treatment for or for emotional distress to your daughter. That would be a civil matter.

Answered on 7/27/10, 3:25 pm

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