Practical Legal Advice for Crime Victims in Oregon

If you or your loved one is the victim of a crime, personal injury lawyer Paul Galm can provide the legal support you need to build your civil case and begin the healing process. Follow these helpful tips to get the process started:

Know Your Rights

If you’re the victim of a crime, it’s important to understand your rights as they pertain to a federal court, state court, juvenile court, or tribal court. If you are the victim of a sexual assault in Oregon, there is a timeline in place for exercising different rights, including services like no-cost medical assessments, intent to terminate rental agreements, state crime victims’ compensation, and more. Other actions, such as restitution claims, must be submitted prior to the sentencing of the offender.

Timing is Everything

When you’re dealing with a criminal case, the sooner you start working with a civil attorney, the better. It’s best if your attorney has time to work with prosecuting attorney and even criminal defense attorney to ensure that your rights and injuries are considered. Some criminals, for example, can receive lighter sentences or no sentence if they pay more in restitution or enter into a civil compromise. The longer you wait to bring on a civil attorney, however, the less leverage you have in bargaining efforts.

Choose a Lawyer Wisely

While there are countless factors that go into choosing the right civil attorney for your case, it’s important to find a lawyer whose number-one priority is your best interest. Together, you can work toward a plan that prioritizes your privacy concerns and well-being. Because filing a suit can sometimes get in the way of a crime victims’ healing and recovery, you need to choose a thoughtful lawyer who is sensitive to your interests and who understands the criminal side of the process.   That way, he or she can help you make an informed decision about how to move forward.

As a former deputy district attorney in Multnomah County, personal injury attorney Paul Galm understands both the criminal and the civil side of Oregon Law and is dedicated to supporting victims’ rights, protecting their privacy, and creating a legal strategy to help them heal. Contact us today for a free legal consultation.