Alaska’s Statute of Limitations for Civil Sexual Assault Cases
Sexual assault and abuse are horrific crimes, and officials in Alaska crack down on offenders to ensure they are punished to the fullest extent of the law. However, while a conviction and harsh sentence may give you some closure as a victim, the result of a criminal case does not compensate you for your losses. Fortunately, state laws provide you with legal remedies in civil court to recover monetary damages. Like other matters involving personal injury, there are statutes of limitations in sexual assault cases that you must note in order to preserve your rights.
Still, the statute of limitations for your claim work very differently as compared to a car accident, slip and fall on someone’s property, and other incidents. An Alaska sexual assault and abuse attorney can explain in more detail, but an overview may be useful.
Comparing Time Limitations in Criminal and Civil Sexual Assault Cases
When you hear about a statute of limitations in a criminal case, the time period refers to how long a prosecutor has to bring charges. The deadline will vary based upon the crime, with a longer period for more serious offenses.
In a civil lawsuit, the statute of limitations means the time you have to initiate litigation in court. Knowing what deadlines apply to your situation is extremely important, since your case will be dismissed if you do not comply with the statute of limitations.
Deadlines for Civil Lawsuits Based Upon Sexual Crimes
The statute of limitations for civil lawsuits based upon sexual assault or assault varies depending on the age of the victim and the severity of the allegations. For purposes of these time restrictions, the relevant act is what would amount to a crime in criminal court, even though the allegations are raised in civil court.
- Civil Cases Where the Victim is a Minor: For felony sex abuse or unlawful exploitation, there is no statute of limitations. This law covers such acts as sexual penetration, sexual contact with minors of different ages, and many others. Victims of misdemeanor sex abuse and incest must file a lawsuit within three years after turning 18 years old or after the injury was discovered – if a parent or guardian files the lawsuit on the minor’s behalf.
- Adult Civil Claims: There is no statute of limitations for victims of felony sexual assault, i.e., forcible rape. The deadline is three years for most other forms of sexual misconduct, including felony indecent exposure, misdemeanor sexual assault, and related forms of misconduct.
Do Not Delay in Contacting an Alaska Sexual Assault and Abuse Lawyer
If you were the victim of sexual assault, time is of the essence to retain an experienced attorney who can assist with the legal process. Aside from the statute of limitations, there are many other complicated issues that impact your rights. For more information, please contact Power & Power Law in Anchorage, Alaska. We can set up a no-cost consultation to review your circumstances and determine next steps.