Crime Victim Representation Attorneys in Washington & Idaho

When you or your child has been the victim of a crime, it is important to consult with an attorney who can clearly explain your rights, help you understand your options, and guide you toward the outcome that best serves your safety, your well-being, and your long-term interests. Crime victims often face a confusing combination of criminal, civil, and administrative processes, each with its own timeline, purpose, and potential benefits. At Perez & Perez Law PLLC, we help clients navigate every stage of this complex system so they can make informed decisions for themselves and their families.

Victims may choose to report the incident to law enforcement and participate in a criminal prosecution; seek a civil protection order or no-contact order to ensure their immediate safety; pursue remedies through licensing boards or administrative bodies; and/or file a civil lawsuit for damages caused by the offender or by a negligent business or agency that allowed the harm to occur. We respect our clients’ autonomy and work closely with them to determine the approach that best supports their needs, values, and goals.

Our representation typically spans three interconnected areas. First, we help clients obtain civil protection orders or other immediate safety measures designed to prevent further harm. Second, we advocate for clients throughout the criminal justice process, ensuring their rights as witnesses are respected, that they are informed of key developments, and that their voices are heard during sentencing, restitution, and post-conviction proceedings. Third, we pursue civil claims for damages when businesses, property owners, employers, or governmental entities contributed to the conditions in which the crime occurred. This may include negligent security, negligent hiring, training, supervision, or retention of dangerous individuals, or failure to follow appropriate safety protocols.

In civil litigation arising from criminal harm, we draw on a network of qualified expert witnesses, including security experts, forensic psychiatrists, human resources professionals, and medical experts who can explain both the cause of the incident and the full extent of our client’s injuries. We also prepare clients carefully for testimony, addressing emotional safety, reviewing prior statements, and building clear, consistent narratives that withstand scrutiny.

Our attorneys at Perez & Perez Law PLLC bring a unique perspective to crime-victim cases through their background in both criminal defense and civil defense. This dual experience gives them deep insight into offender behavior, evidentiary issues, and the strategies used by defendants and insurers to minimize or avoid liability in civil litigation. As a result, we understand not only how to build a compelling claim for our clients, but also how opposing parties evaluate risk, defend their conduct, and attempt to limit accountability.

Just as importantly, our attorneys understand how law enforcement conducts investigations, the tools and techniques officers use to gather evidence, how investigative decisions are made, and where gaps or oversights often occur. This knowledge is critical in crime-victim civil cases, where identifying, obtaining, and preserving the right evidence can determine the strength of the claim.

Our familiarity with criminal investigative processes also allows us to effectively leverage, when appropriate, the ongoing work of law enforcement. Active criminal investigations often generate detailed reports, forensic findings, digital evidence, and witness interviews that are not readily available to the general public. By understanding how and when this information is created, we can strategically request, preserve, and incorporate investigative materials that streamline our own internal fact-gathering and significantly strengthen the civil claim. This coordinated approach helps ensure that key evidence is not overlooked and that the civil case benefits from the full scope of information uncovered through official investigative channels.

When you or your children have been harmed or taken advantage of, reach out to our dedicated crime-victim advocates of Perez & Perez Law PLLC in Washington and Idaho. We will stand with you through protection orders, criminal proceedings, administrative hearings, and civil litigation, working tirelessly to hold offenders and negligent actors fully accountable.

Seek Trustworthy Counsel After Assault

Washington and Idaho allow crime victims to file a lawsuit for damages within two or three years on the date of the incident. The timing of the lawsuit is determined by several factors, including the age of the victim and type of injury involved. Victims of intentional acts (physical assault) in Washington and Idaho must file a lawsuit within two years of the date if the incident. Victims of negligence (negligent infliction of emotional distress, negligent hiring, etc) must file a lawsuit within three (3) years of the date of the incident in Washington and two (2) years in Idaho. Child victims can file a lawsuit during their age of minority or within several years following the their eightieth birthday.

In some cases, you may not become aware of the injuries until years later. For these types of cases, the law does allow delays in filing a lawsuit. That means, even if a child or adult was assaulted at a young age but did not realize the harm that was caused to him or her until recently, the injury did not occur until that point. These cases are unique and the injuries suffered are significant. Make sure to consult with a knowledge attorney to best assess the value and impact of filing a civil lawsuit seeking monetary damages.

Child Sexual Abuse Victims

Any crime against a child is deplorable, especially if that crime involves sexual abuse. Sexual abuse towards a child can include the following acts:

• Child Molestation or Rape of a Child

• Communication with a Minor for an Immoral Purpose;

• Exposure to sexual videos, games, pictures, or other images

• Forced viewing of sexual acts

• Any other lewd behavior

We also represent children that have been abused in other ways like bodily harm, neglect, and other forms of abuse. If your child has been a victim of a heartless crime, reach out to our attorneys at Perez & Perez Law PLLC today in Seattle, and let them take the burden off of your family’s shoulders. Our team includes a compassionate Medical Case Manager and Registered Nurse to assist in this process and make sure your child recovers not only money but receives the treatment and security they deserve.

Sexual Assault Victims

One of the scariest experiences a person can face is becoming the victim of sexual assault. While we encourage you to report a crime to the police, you can also reach out to our compassionate attorneys and team members to hold your abuser accountable in civil court. We will fight for the compensation that you deserve and lead the way through this difficult process. Representation includes obtaining a civil no contact order to ensure you and your family feel safe again and assist throughout the criminal case so you are fully informed of your options and empower you to make the right decisions for your unique circumstances.

We proudly serve and represent clients throughout the State of Washington, including: King County, Snohomish County, Pierce County, Thurston County, Kittitas County, Island County, and Spokane County. We proudly serve and represent clients in North Idaho, including: Kootenai County, Bonner County, Benewah County, Boundary County, Shoshone County, and Latah County.  

Seeking Compensation Through Third Parties

The perpetrators of these crimes are not the only ones that can be accountable. We have a proven track record of going after businesses and institutions that are negligent in their hiring or supervision practices that allowed these terrible actions to take place. Whether the incident occurred at day-care facility, hospital setting, institution of higher education, or a traditional for-profit business, we have the experience and expertise to pursue justice at every level.

Oftentimes, an abuser will be held accountable for his or her actions, but will not have the means to pay for the treatment or other needed compensation. In cases like these, we can hold any related third parties responsible for the actions of this person. That can include schools, churches, employers, doctors’ offices, and more. Our attorneys will not give up on seeking the compensation that you deserve and will exhaust all possible outlets to find a solution that is fitting for your unique set of circumstances. Contact our law firm today in Seattle, Washington, and speak to our attorneys.

Let an Experienced Attorney Fight For Your Rights

Any type of abuse is difficult to handle. That is why you do not have to do it by yourself. Our crime victim attorneys are here to tell your story and hold your abuser accountable in a court of law. We take charge of the case and attempt to make the process as stress-free as possible for you and your family. If you or your child are experiencing trauma from a sexual assault, take the steps to seek the compensation that is owed to you and your family. Reach out to our law firm today in Seattle, Washington, and set up a consultation with our attorneys.

We proudly serve and represent clients throughout the State of Washington, including: King County, Snohomish County, Pierce County, Thurston County, Kittitas County, Island County, and Spokane County. We proudly serve and represent clients in North Idaho, including: Kootenai County, Bonner County, Benewah County, Boundary County, Shoshone County, and Latah County.