In September 2022, President Biden signed into law S.3101, entitled “Eliminating Limits to Justice for Child Sex Abuse Victims Act of 2022.” This new law removes the previous statute of limitations for various federal criminal offenses against minors, mostly associated with sexual abuse. This can hopefully help more victims seek legal action against their abuser.
Types of Crime Covered
“Eliminating Limits to Justice for Child Sex Abuse Victims Act of 2022” covers federal crimes against minors such as:
- Exploitation
- Pornography
- Sexual abuse
- Trafficking
If you are unsure whether you have federal grounds to seek legal action, you should speak with a reputable lawyer.
Removal of Statutes of Limitation
The prior deadline for the aforementioned criminal offenses against minors was 10 years after the alleged offense under 18 USC Section 2255.
Not a Retroactive Law
S. 3103 is only prospective in its current signed form. This means that any case that expired under the previous federal statute of limitations cannot be brought before a court. However, any federal child sexual abuse case still valid on or that may occur after the date President Biden signed this into law, September 16, 2022, are not subject to the previous statute of limitation.
Statutes of Limitations for Victims of Child Sex Abuse in Washington State
Most state judges in Washington rule in favor of those who have suffered sexual abuse as a child. Although specific state laws outline a statute of limitations as three years following the discovery of the injury, including emotional trauma, the way courts look at it can vary and give more leeway for victims.
Some individuals may only realize they carry trauma from child sexual abuse once in their adulthood and psychological evaluations are typically required to attempt to get a specific timeline of symptoms. As such, you should check with an experienced attorney whether you are eligible to seek legal action against the person who sexually abused you when you were a child.
Trust Hester Law Group to Support You Get Justice for Your Child Sexual Abuse in Tacoma
If you have experienced sexual abuse as a child in Tacoma or its surrounding areas, our team at Hester Law Group can help you pursue legal action against your abuser. You can expect confidentiality from us, and we are committed to leveraging our up-to-date and in-depth understanding of criminal law to help you get the compensation you deserve for the trauma you have endured.
We invite you to reach out to us for a free initial consultation. During it, you can expect a thorough review of your situation. This way, we can recommend specific legal options and walk you through what you can expect from the legal proceedings and what evidence you may need to provide to support your claim.
Are you looking to seek compensation for the sexual abuse you suffered as a child in Tacoma or its surrounding areas? Contact Hester Law Group today at (253) 300-3034 to schedule a consultation.