Clear and Compassionate Legal Representation for Survivors of Sexual Assault in Westchester, Rockland, and NYC
The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell provides compassionate legal guidance to survivors of sexual abuse and sexual assault. We offer free and completely confidential consultations by phone, video, or in person, including nights and weekends.
As a former NYC prosecutor, Michael J. McConnell understands that coming forward about sexual trauma can be really difficult, particularly when the person responsible is someone who holds a position of power, respect, or influence. He supports and empowers his clients by showing genuine care and real compassion that meets them where they are.
If you’re not sure about what your next steps should be, that’s okay. We’re here to help you find a clear path forward. Give us a call at (914) 810-0510 for a free consultation or book one through the button below.
What Qualifies as Sexual Abuse or Sexual Assault in New York?
Sexual abuse and sexual assault can take many forms. Common examples include:
- Rape
- Child molestation
- Any non-consensual sex act, including intercourse, oral sex, fondling, touching another’s genitals, and groping
- Sexual coercion
If you are unsure whether what happened to you qualifies, it’s highly recommended that you speak with an attorney confidentially and learn about your options.
Sexual Abuse and Sexual Assault Involving Positions of Power
Sexual abuse and sexual assault often involve a significant imbalance of power. The person responsible may use their position, reputation, authority, threats, manipulation, or intimidation to prevent a survivor from coming forward.
Examples of sexual abuse and sexual assault cases where this imbalance can be found include perpetrators such as:
- Teachers and school staff members
- Nursing home employees and home health aides
- Priests, pastors, rabbis, and other clergy members
- Youth sports coaches
- Doctors and other medical professionals
- Politicians
- CEOs and bosses
- Personal trainers
- Professional athletes and college athletes
- Famous people like movie stars, musicians, producers, entertainers, and influencers
- College professors
- Daycare center staff members
- Corrections officers
- Homeless shelter staff members
- Camp counselors
In some cases, the institution behind the person responsible may also be legally accountable.
For example, schools, churches, companies, and government entities may have responsibility when they knew or should have known about misconduct and failed to take appropriate action.
Civil Lawsuit vs. Criminal Prosecution for Sexual Assault
A sexual assault can potentially lead to both a criminal prosecution and a civil lawsuit. They serve different purposes and can therefore be pursued at the same time. Understanding the difference between them is critical, especially when it comes to getting financial compensation for life-changing trauma.
Criminal Cases
A criminal case is brought by the local District Attorney’s Office and focuses primarily on punishment. The prosecutor represents the public, not the individual survivor. This means that the prosecutor controls major decisions such as: whether charges are filed, whether a case proceeds to trial, and what plea deal is offered.
The lack of autonomy for survivors in a criminal prosecution can be very frustrating, especially when a prosecutor decides there is “not enough evidence” to move forward or offers a plea deal that does not at all feel like justice.
Even in cases where a defendant is convicted of a sex offense at trial or pleads guilty, the punishment is often jail or probation. Restitution is somewhat rare in criminal cases, but even when it is part of the sentence it often doesn’t come close to fairly compensating a survivor of sexual abuse.
Civil Cases
A civil lawsuit is different because your attorney represents solely your interests. Depending on the circumstances, a civil case may allow you to pursue financial compensation from the person responsible and potentially other parties who contributed to the harm.
Survivor Autonomy in Civil Cases
Some of the major decisions that a survivor has the power to make in a civil lawsuit include:
- whether to bring a lawsuit in the first place
- whether to settle for an agreeable amount of compensation out of court
- or whether to take the case all the way to a jury trial
A civil lawsuit does not require a criminal conviction, and a survivor may have options even when a criminal case was never filed, was dismissed, or resulted in a resolution that did not provide meaningful accountability.
Michael J. McConnell is a former NYC prosecutor with jury trial experience. He understands both sides of the criminal justice system and can help you understand how a criminal case and civil lawsuit may interact.
Confidential Legal Guidance for Survivors
You don’t have to make a decision about filing a lawsuit simply to speak with an attorney. A free consultation with zero strings attached can give you a clearer understanding of your options without judgment or pressure.
When you’re ready to talk, we’ll be here for you. Let us help you move forward with the clarity, calm, and compassion you deserve.
Legal Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Every sexual abuse and sexual assault case is different, and the law can change over time. Speaking with an attorney about your situation does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please contact an attorney for a confidential consultation to discuss your specific circumstances and legal options.
Page last updated 8/26/26.