Sexual Assault by Law Enforcement Lawyers in Binghamton, NY 

Betrayed by the Badge: The Horror of Police Sexual Assault 

Sexual assault by law enforcement is a betrayal that cuts deep. When someone sworn to protect you turns into the source of harm, it’s devastating. It’s not just a crime—it’s a violation of trust, safety, and dignity. If you’re searching for a Binghamton sexual abuse attorney to help you fight back, there are people ready to stand by your side. 

Let’s be clear: what happened isn’t your fault. Horn Wright, LLP, understands your situation and we’re here to help you take the first step toward justice. If you’re searching for police misconduct legal representation, know that our experienced Binghamton civil rights lawyers are ready to fight for your rights. 

Binghamton’s Laws Are Tough—Here’s What You Need to Know 

Laws on sexual assault don’t mess around. They’re designed to protect victims like you and hold perpetrators accountable—even when the abuser is someone in a position of power, like a police officer. 

When an officer uses threats, authority, or coercion to force someone to engage in any sexual act, it is a crime. It's that simple. It doesn't matter how they try to manipulate the narrative—if they use their badge to control or intimidate you, it is never consensual. To give you a better idea of what these laws cover: 

• Sexual Misconduct (§ 130.20): Any kind of sexual activity without your consent. Even if it’s a misdemeanor, it’s still serious. 
• Aggravated Sexual Abuse (§ 130.66): This involves using force, threats, or objects to cause harm or fear. It’s a felony that can lead to decades behind bars. 
• Criminal Sexual Acts (§ 130.50): Includes unwanted sexual contact or acts committed through coercion. Felony charges mean long prison sentences and mandatory sex offender registration. 

Understanding these laws isn’t just empowering—it’s the foundation for fighting back. 

What to Do When the Protector Becomes the Predator 

If you’ve been sexually assaulted by law enforcement, it’s hard to know what to do next. But taking the right steps now can protect your rights and make a huge difference in seeking justice.  

1. Take Care of Yourself First: Head to a hospital as soon as possible. Medical care isn’t just for your physical well-being—it’s also an important way to collect evidence if you decide to pursue a case. 
2. Save Everything: Don’t wash your clothes or your body just yet. It’s tough, but these things can be crucial evidence. Put your clothes in a paper bag (not plastic) to preserve any DNA. 
3. Write It Down: As soon as you can, jot down everything you remember. Times, locations, conversations—every detail helps. Don’t worry if it feels small; it could end up being a big deal in court. 
4. Report It Safely: If reporting to the same department feels unsafe, you’ve got other options. Try state police, the FBI, or even a trusted sexual abuse attorney who can guide you through the process. 

We know this feels daunting. But you’re stronger than you think, and you don’t have to do this alone. 

Why You’re Scared to Speak Out—and Why It’s Not Hopeless 

Coming forward about police sexual assault can feel terrifying. You’re worried about retaliation or being labelled a liar. Maybe you think no one will believe you because of the officer’s authority. Those fears are valid. 

We’ve seen this before, and we know how to protect you. We’re dedicated to keeping you safe and making sure your voice is heard. 

• Protective Orders: We’ll help you file for legal orders to keep the officer far away from you. If they violate it, there are serious consequences. 
• Outside Investigators: When it comes to police misconduct, going outside their department—like involving state authorities or federal agencies—helps ensure the case is handled fairly. 
• Confidentiality: You can file lawsuits anonymously, so your identity stays private. Nobody needs to know unless you’re ready to share your story. 

It Feels Impossible to Fight the System—But It’s Not 

Suing a police department may feel like an uphill battle, but it’s far from impossible. While challenges exist, the right legal representation can make all the difference. 

One obstacle is the internal bias within police departments. Often, they investigate their own officers, leading to unfair outcomes or attempts to shield misconduct. This is why bringing in outside accountability is crucial. Another hurdle is qualified immunity, a legal doctrine designed to protect officers from lawsuits in certain circumstances. However, experienced attorneys know how to navigate these defenses by proving abuse of power or violations of your rights. 

Lastly, the law requires swift action. In New York, you have just 90 days to file notice of intent to sue government entities. Although this may sound daunting, we’ll take care of the deadlines, and we work to level the playing field. 

Your Justice, Your Way: Civil or Criminal Options 

When you’re ready to fight back, you’ll have two primary paths: criminal charges and civil lawsuits. Both serve unique purposes, and pursuing both often provides the most comprehensive form of justice. 

Criminal cases focus on punishing the officer for their actions. Potential outcomes include jail time, fines, and mandatory sex offender registration. In these cases, the state prosecutes the offender, but your testimony is essential in ensuring justice is served. 

Civil lawsuits, on the other hand, center on your recovery. They’re a way to seek financial compensation for the pain, trauma, and losses you’ve suffered. This includes medical expenses, lost income, and punitive damages meant to punish the officer and prevent future misconduct.  

If you’re looking for a civil rights violation lawyer in Binghamton, we’ll guide you through both processes, so you feel empowered every step of the way. 

What Compensation Looks Like—And Why It Matters 

Money can’t undo what happened to you. But holding the officer and their department financially accountable can help you rebuild your life. You might be entitled to: 

• Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, PTSD—these are real and deserve recognition. Therapy and counselling costs can also be covered. 
• Medical Bills: Whether it’s hospital visits, medication, or long-term care, you shouldn’t have to pay for the harm they caused. 
• Lost Income: If the assault or its aftermath kept you from working, you can claim lost wages and damages for future earnings if the impact lasts long-term. 
• Punitive Damages: In extreme cases, courts award extra money to punish the officer and make it clear that this kind of abuse won’t be tolerated. 

This is about more than just compensation. It’s about accountability for police sexual misconduct and helping you find closure. 

You Deserve Justice—And We’ll Fight for It 

We know how hard this journey is. You’re hurt, scared, and probably unsure who to trust. That’s why Horn Wright, LLP, is here. 

We’ll do the heavy lifting—building your case, protecting your rights, and standing up to intimidation. If you need an experienced Binghamton civil rights attorney to help you fight for justice, we’re ready to stand by your side. 

Don’t wait to hire one of the best law firms in America. Let’s take this on together. Reach out today, and we’ll fight to get you the justice and closure you deserve.