315 Montgomery St Suite 900
sam@gellerlawsf.com
San Francisco Sexual Assault Lawyer
Protect your rights across San Francisco and the Bay Area.
How a San Francisco Sexual Assault Attorney Can Help Protect Your Rights
A sexual assault charge carries serious consequences that can follow you for life. At Geller Law, PC, we provide strategic, personalized defense across San Francisco and the Bay Area, challenging the evidence, protecting your rights, and fighting for the strongest possible outcome. When your freedom and reputation are on the line, we are ready to act.
Under California Penal Code §243.4, sexual assault generally involves any unwanted touching of an intimate part of another person for the purpose of sexual arousal, gratification, or abuse without consent. These laws are designed to hold alleged offenders accountable and protect survivors across the state. accountable and protect survivors across the state.
Survivors of sexual assault have important rights, including:
- The right to confidentiality and privacy throughout the case
- Access to medical care, counseling, and injury assistance programs
- The right to seek restraining orders and pursue justice through the courts
If you experienced sexual assault in San Francisco, we can help you understand your rights and protect your privacy. Our San Francisco sexual assault lawyers guide you through each step with confidentiality and care, protecting your rights along the way.
We’re here to listen, support, and help you move forward toward justice and healing.
PRACTICE AREAS
How Geller Law, PC Can Assist You
Under California civil law, adult sexual assault claims generally should be filed within 10 years of the incident or 3 years from discovering an injury (CCP § 340.16).
However, a recent California law, AB 250, signed on October 13, 2025, gives adult sexual assault survivors a two-year window, from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027, to file certain civil claims previously blocked by time limits. The law typically applies to cases involving private parties in which abuse was covered up and does not apply to public entities.
At Geller Law, PC, we offer comprehensive services to support survivors of sexual assault, starting from our first conversation through every stage of your case.
We begin with a consultation to hear your story and clearly explain your legal options. From there, we gather evidence, interview witnesses, and develop a focused legal strategy so that every detail is handled with care.
Here’s what we’re ready to offer:
- Understanding the Evidence: Strong evidence is central to your case. We carefully review police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence to make sure every detail supporting your account is properly documented and preserved. We also work to identify and challenge gaps, inconsistencies, or weaknesses in the defendant’s version of events.
- Protecting Your Rights: We work to help ensure law enforcement follows proper procedures and that evidence is collected legally and appropriately. We can also take steps to protect your privacy and help you understand the injured person advocacy resources available to you, such as the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CALCASA) and RAINN.
- Building Your Case Strategy: Every case calls for individualized attention tailored to its specific facts. We work with prosecutors to analyze the details of what happened, establish the facts of the incident, build credibility for witness accounts, and address consent issues accurately when presenting the case.
We provide plain-language explanations of charges and legal procedures, offer ongoing emotional and practical support, and advocate for your needs and recovery at every step.
Types of Compensation Available to Survivors
Survivors of sexual assault may be entitled to several types of compensation designed to support recovery. These laws are designed to hold alleged offenders accountable and protect survivors across the state. These damages recognize both the immediate and long-term impact of trauma, helping survivors move forward with financial stability and emotional support.
- Medical Costs: Covers expenses for emergency care, hospital treatment, therapy, medication, and ongoing medical needs related to the assault.
- Pain and Suffering: Provides compensation for emotional distress, psychological trauma, and physical pain caused by the assault.
- Punitive Damages: Imposed to punish the alleged offender. A convicted person’s name may also appear in California’s public sex offender registry for their conduct and to discourage similar acts in the future.
Each type of compensation plays a key role in helping survivors rebuild their lives and seek justice. Our attorneys can help you pursue a strong compensation claim.
Why Choose Geller Law, PC for Your Sexual Assault Case?
Choosing the right attorney can make a lasting difference in your path to justice. At Geller Law, PC, attorney Sam Geller brings a rare combination of courtroom strength, compassion, and extensive Bay Area experience to every case.
He built his reputation through extensive trial work, beginning as a public defender and growing into a tenacious, respected attorney known by clients, colleagues, prosecutors, and judges alike
For survivors of sexual assault, that means working with a lawyer who understands how high-stakes cases unfold, knows how to stand firm in court, and is committed to protecting you with skill, seriousness, and unwavering dedication.
Sam Geller’s commitment to providing strong, trauma-informed representation is recognized across the legal community. Earned through consistent courtroom results and dedication to his clients, Sam has received the 2019 Avvo Clients’ Choice Award and has been named to the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys (NACDA). These credentials reflect deep client trust and high-caliber advocacy you can rely on in high-stakes legal matters.
What sets our firm apart:
- Deep Knowledge of California Law: In-depth understanding of sexual assault statutes and survivors’ rights
- Survivor-Focused, Trauma-Informed Approach: Prioritizing empathy, privacy, and dignity throughout your case
- Strong Litigation Strategies: Thorough preparation and persuasive advocacy in and out of court
If you are seeking experienced legal guidance, our sexual assault lawyers in San Francisco are here to support you.
An Overview of Steps to Take Following a Sexual Assault: What to Expect
A sexual assault case moves through several legal stages, each playing a role in how the justice system reviews the incident and determines accountability.
- Step 1: Reporting the Incident: Survivors typically begin by reporting the sexual assault to local law enforcement or a trusted authority figure. This initiates an investigation to gather evidence and interview witnesses, setting the legal process in motion.
- Step 2: Investigation:Police collect evidence and interview the survivor, witnesses, and, if applicable, the accused. The case is then forwarded to the district attorney’s office to determine whether charges should be filed.
- Step 3: Filing Charges: The district attorney decides whether to file charges based on the available evidence. If charges are filed, the case enters the court system, marking the transition from investigation to formal legal proceedings.
- Step 4: Arraignment:The accused is formally charged and enters a plea, guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Bail may be set, and future court dates are scheduled.
- Step 5: Preliminary Hearings: Evidence is reviewed to determine whether the case should proceed to trial. Both the prosecution and defense present evidence, and the judge decides if there is sufficient merit to continue.
- Step 6: Trial: The prosecution and defense each present their cases, including witness testimonies and evidence. The jury then determines whether the accused is guilty or not guilty.
- Step 7: Sentencing: If found guilty, the judge determines the appropriate punishment based on the severity of the offense. Potential consequences may include incarceration, fines, and, for many sex-related convictions under California Law, mandatory registration as a sex offender for 10, 20 years, or life (California Penal Code Section 290).
- Step 8: Seeking Compensation: Survivors may file a civil lawsuit against the accused to seek damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. The civil court assesses the case and determines what compensation, if any, is appropriate.
Throughout this process, survivors are generally entitled to support and protection, and the legal system is designed to treat them with dignity and respect. Working with a sexual assault attorney can help you navigate the complexities of each stage, pursuing justice, protecting your rights, and seeking the compensation you may be owed.
Move Forward with Skilled Representation
If you are considering legal action after a sexual assault in San Francisco, we may be able to help you understand your rights and options. At Geller Law, PC, we can walk you through the legal process, discuss potential claims against individuals or institutions, and outline steps that may support your recovery and pursuit of justice.
We offer thoughtful guidance, careful case preparation, and a strong understanding of California sexual assault claims, all with a survivor-centered approach and experience handling serious, sensitive matters. We are here to provide steady support at every stage.
Contact us for a free initial consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I do immediately after experiencing sexual assault in San Francisco?
Go to a safe place and seek medical care as soon as possible. Try to preserve evidence by avoiding bathing, changing clothes, or cleaning up before a medical exam. You may also contact local law enforcement or a crisis hotline for immediate help and support.
2. How long do I have to file a sexual assault claim in California?
California law generally allows survivors an extended period to file claims, and recent updates to the statute of limitations may allow some survivors to take legal action years after the incident. Timelines typically vary by situation, so consulting a sexual assault attorney early is advisable.
3. Can I pursue both criminal and civil claims for sexual assault?
Yes. A criminal case seeks to hold the offender accountable under the law, while a civil claim pursues financial damages for medical costs, trauma, and other losses. These processes are separate but may run simultaneously.
4. What types of compensation can I seek as a survivor?
As a survivor, you may be able to pursue compensation for medical expenses, therapy, emotional distress, and lost wages. In some cases, punitive damages may also be available to discourage similar conduct.
5. Why should I hire a San Francisco sexual assault lawyer?
A qualified sexual assault lawyer can explain your legal options, help you meet critical deadlines, and guide you through both civil and criminal procedures. Experienced representation may make the process less overwhelming and support your pursuit of a fair outcome.
