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 You
If you experienced sexual assault in San Francisco, Geller Law, PC, can help you understand your rights, protect your privacy, and pursue justice against the person or institution responsible. Our attorneys support survivors with compassionate guidance, clear legal advice, and strong advocacy at every stage of the process.
Moreover, we understand the courage it takes to come forward after experiencing sexual assault.
Our San Francisco sexual assault lawyers are dedicated to helping survivors seek justice with compassion, confidentiality, and care. We guide clients through each step of the legal process, protecting their rights and providing steady support along the way.
We’re here to listen, support, and help you move forward toward justice and healing.
PRACTICE AREAS
The Basics of Sexual Assault in San Francisco
Under California Penal Code §243.4, sexual assault 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 offenders 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 victim assistance programs
- The right to seek restraining orders and pursue justice through the courts
- Respectful and dignified treatment at every stage of the process
A recent California law, AB 250, signed on October 13, 2025, gives adult sexual assault survivors a two-year period, from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027, to file some civil claims that were previously blocked by time limits. The law applies to certain cases involving private parties or individuals and claims that abuse was covered up. It does not apply to public entities.
How Geller Law, PC Can Assist You
Geller Law, PC, offers comprehensive services to support survivors of sexual assault.
We start with a consultation to understand your story and explain your legal options. Following this, we prepare your case by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and developing a strong legal strategy, ensuring every detail is well handled.
Here’s a breakdown to what we’re ready to offer:
- Understanding the Evidence: Strong evidence is critical to the success of your case. We can carefully review police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence, ensuring that all details supporting your account are properly documented and preserved. We also work to identify and challenge any gaps, inconsistencies, or weaknesses in the defendant’s version of events to strengthen the case.
- Protecting Your Rights: We are ready to help ensure that law enforcement follows proper procedures during the investigation and that evidence is collected legally and appropriately. We. can also work to protect your privacy. Additionally, we can help you understand and access the victim advocacy services available to support you, such as California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CALCASA) and RAINN.
- Building Your Case Strategy: Every case is unique, and your situation deserves individualized attention. Our team works with prosecutors to analyze the specific details of what happened, prepare to establish the facts of the incident, and build credibility for witness accounts. They can also work to clearly and accurately address consent issues when presenting the case.
- Support Throughout the Process: We provide plain-language explanations of charges and legal procedures, offer ongoing emotional and practical support, and advocate for your needs and recovery throughout the case.
Why Choose Geller Law, PC for Your Sexual Assault Case?
Choosing the right attorney can make a lasting difference in your path to justice.
Geller Law, PC stands out for sexual assault defense because Sam Geller brings a rare combination of courtroom strength, compassion, and deep Bay Area experience to every case. Sam has built his reputation through extensive trial work, beginning as a public defender and developing into a respected, aggressive attorney known by clients, colleagues, prosecutors, and judges alike.
For victims 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 clients with skill, seriousness, and unwavering dedication.
What sets our firm apart:
- Deep Knowledge of California Laws: In-depth understanding of sexual assault statutes and victims’ 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’re 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.
- Reporting the Incident: Survivors begin by reporting the sexual assault to local law enforcement or a trusted authority figure in time. This initiates an investigation to gather evidence and interview witnesses, setting the legal process in motion.
- 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 for review to determine if charges should be filed.
- Filing Charges: The district attorney decides whether to file charges based on the evidence. If charges are filed, the case enters the court system, marking the transition from investigation to formal legal proceedings.
- 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, officially starting the legal process.
- Preliminary Hearings: Evidence is reviewed to determine if the case should proceed to trial. Both the prosecution and defense present evidence, and the judge decides if there is sufficient merit to continue.
- Trial: The prosecution and defense present their cases, including witness testimonies and evidence. Then the jury determines if the accused is guilty or innocent.
- Sentencing: If found guilty, the judge determines the punishment based on the severity of the crime. This could include:
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- Rape: 3-8 years (can be enhanced to 9+ years with aggravating factors)
- Sexual assault/battery: 6 months to 4 years
- Lewd acts on a child: 3-8 years, depending on circumstances
- Aggravated offenses: 15 years to life (for repeat offenders or extreme violence)
- Typically $2,000-$10,000+, depending on the specific conviction and circumstances
- Moreover, offenders are likely to face lifetime registration as a sex offender (Tier 1, 2, or 3, depending on offense). Their names also appear in the public listing on California’s sex offender registry and might face restrictions on residence, employment, and activities
- Seeking Compensation: Survivors can 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 appropriate compensation.
Throughout the process, survivors are entitled to support and protection, ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect. Getting a sexual assault attorney can help them navigate the complexities of the legal system, securing justice and compensation for survivors.
Types of Compensation Available to Survivors
Survivors of sexual assault may be entitled to several types of compensation designed to support recovery and hold offenders accountable. These damages recognize both the immediate and long-term impact of the trauma and help survivors move forward with financial stability and emotional support.
- Medical Costs: Covers expenses for emergency care, hospital treatment, therapy, medication, and any other ongoing medical needs related to the assault.
- Pain and Suffering: Provides compensation for the emotional distress, psychological trauma, and physical pain caused by the assault.
- Punitive Damages: Imposed to punish the offender for their conduct and 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 the maximum compensation available.
Holding Institutions Accountable for Sexual Assault
In some sexual assault cases, liability extends beyond the perpetrator to institutions that failed to protect victims. Schools, religious groups, and employers have a legal duty to maintain safe environments and prevent abuse. When they neglect this responsibility, survivors may pursue third-party liability claims to hold them accountable.
Institutions that can be held responsible include:
- Schools: for failing to act on reports or safeguard students and staff
- Religious Institutions: for covering up or ignoring misconduct within their organization
- Employers: for not addressing harassment or abuse in the workplace
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 provide information about the legal process, potential claims against individuals or institutions, and steps that may be available to support your recovery and pursuit of justice.
We offer thoughtful guidance, careful case preparation, and a strong understanding of California sexual assault claims. Moreover, with a survivor-centered approach and experience handling serious, sensitive matters, we provide steady support throughout each stage of the process.
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 any 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 emotional support.
2. How long do I have to file a sexual assault claim in California?
California law allows survivors an extended time to file claims. Recent updates to the statute of limitations mean some survivors can take legal action years after the incident. Timelines vary depending on the situation, so it’s best to consult with a sexual assault attorney before filing.
3. Can I pursue both criminal and civil claims for sexual assault?
Yes. A criminal case seeks to hold the offender accountable under criminal law, while a civil claim seeks to recover financial damages for medical costs, trauma, and other losses. These processes are separate but may occur simultaneously.
4. What types of compensation can I seek as a survivor?
Survivors may pursue compensation for medical expenses, therapy, emotional distress, lost wages, and other related costs. In some cases, punitive damages may also be available to discourage similar conduct in the future.
5. Why should I hire a San Francisco sexual assault lawyer?
A qualified sexual assault lawyer can explain legal options, ensure deadlines are met, and help survivors navigate both civil and criminal procedures. Having experienced guidance can make the process less overwhelming and improve the chances of a fair outcome.
