Billings Sexual Assault Lawyer

Sexual Assault Attorneys in Billings, MT

In addition to initiating a criminal case, victims of sexual assault or sexual abuse are able to pursue compensation for the harm and damages brought to them. You should strongly consider speaking with a Billings sexual assault lawyer if you or a loved one was wrongly harmed.

What to Know About Doggett Law Offices

Doggett Law Offices is a legal practice based in Missoula, MT, headed by attorney Michael Doggett. We believe in advocating relentlessly on behalf of those who have been seriously wronged, including victims of sexual assault or child sexual abuse.

Whether you or your child has suffered from sexual assault, our legal team can counsel you through every step of the process. In addition to representing individuals in Missoula, we also serve clients in Helena and throughout Montana.

Looking at Sexual Assault Cases in MT

Montana had one of the highest rates of sexual assault crimes in the United States in 2023, with a rate of 54.4 offenses reported per 100,000 population. According to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, the frequency of sexual abuse cases has increased by 62.5 percent between fiscal years 2020 and 2024, with 1,430 offenses reported in 2024.

Montana sexual assault laws define the unlawful act as any instance where a person knowingly subjects another individual to sexual contact without their consent. This includes instances of child sexual abuse, where the victim is a minor.

Whether you or someone in your life, including a child, has experienced some form of sexual assault, it may be worth it to hire a sexual assault lawyer. An attorney can verify whether your situation is likely to result in a successful outcome.

If you are an adult wishing to recover damages from a sexual assault that occurred when you were a minor, you can also confirm whether the statute of limitations has passed by consulting an injury law attorney.

Why You Should Hire a Sexual Assault Lawyer

You should strongly consider working with a qualified and experienced Billings sexual assault attorney if you believe you may be eligible to seek compensation after being subjected to sexual abuse or assault. Recovered damages in these cases can cover not only the physical harm inflicted but also the emotional pain and psychological effects caused as well.

In a successful injury claim, compensation often includes the cost of short-term and long-term healthcare treatment, including therapy, lawyer fees, and other expenses of pursuing justice, loss of income or diminished capacity to earn wages, physical pain, and emotional trauma.

To find out what damages you may be able to recover, it’s recommended that you speak with a personal injury lawyer with experience handling sexual assault cases, such as our head attorney at Doggett Law Offices.

Sexual assault and abuse civil cases in the Billings area are most likely to go through the Yellowstone County District Court. This legal venue is located at 217 N 27th Street, Billings, MT 59101. To confirm which courthouse may handle your case in particular, be sure to ask your lawyer.

FAQs

What Is Considered Sexual Assault in Montana?

In the state of Montana, sexual assault is a broad term that can refer to numerous forms of sexual misconduct. By definition, sexual assault is any instance of someone knowingly subjecting another person to sexual contact against or without their consent.

This includes cases of rape and child sexual abuse, such as molestation and child pornography charges. If you’re unsure whether your case may be considered sexual assault, you can consult an experienced attorney.

Is a Sexual Assault Criminal Case and Civil Case the Same?

While a single instance of sexual assault can be tried simultaneously in criminal court and civil court, the two proceedings are separate and distinct. Criminal cases are pursued by the state, with the goal of holding the offender accountable with sexual assault penalties such as large fines and jail or prison time. By contrast, civil cases are pursued by the victim for the purpose of securing compensatory damages for the inflicted harm.

What Is the Statute of Limitations in a Sexual Assault Case?

The statute of limitations, or how long you have to bring a case forward, for a sexual assault case in Montana can vary depending on the age of the victim and whether it is a civil or criminal case. For civil cases where the victim was under 18 years old at the time of the offense, they must file by age 27 or within three years of discovering the injury caused by the abuse, whichever is later.

How Is Sexual Assault Proven in Montana?

In Montana, sexual assault is generally proven by providing a combination of compelling survivor testimony, forensic evidence such as medical records of physical injuries or the offender’s DNA, and corroborating proof like witness accounts, photographs, and texts.

Strong claims also typically establish an explicit lack of affirmative consent by the victim. Your injury attorney can advise you on what types of evidence to preserve and collect while conducting their own investigation to build a convincing case on your behalf.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Child Sexual Assault in MT?

In Montana, numerous institutions, organizations, and businesses may be held liable for negligence in allowing sexual assault or abuse to occur on the premises. Examples of potentially liable parties include:

• Workplaces
• Public and private schools, including colleges and universities
• Churches and other religious institutions
• Childcare and daycare centers, including recreational or youth organizations and summer camps
• Athletic clubs and sports leagues
• Hospitals and other healthcare institutions
• Juvenile rehabilitation programs and facilities

Speak With a Dedicated Sexual Assault Injury Attorney

At Doggett Law Offices, we understand how difficult it can be to speak up about sexual abuse and assault. We also understand that although compensation can’t undo the harm caused, it can be very important and beneficial to those seeking to move forward from the abuse. That’s why we’re here to advocate fiercely on your behalf. Reach out to our team today to schedule a meeting with a capable lawyer.