Derek Smith Law Group / Child Sexual Abuse Attorney / Clergy Sex Abuse Attorneys / Clergy Sex Abuse Attorneys in Miami

Clergy Sex Abuse Attorneys in Miami

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What Is Clergy Sex Abuse in Miami?
Contact Our Experienced Miami Clergy Sex Abuse Attorneys for a Free Consultation

Clergy sexual abuse in Miami is a serious epidemic that seems almost as common as going to church. You cannot turn on the news without hearing something about the most recent clergy sex abuse claim.

Whether the abuser is a priest, an elder of the religious community, a rabbi, or any other leader in religion, clergy sex abuse is illegal and should be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

For over 25 years, the experienced attorneys at the Derek Smith Law Group have been helping victims of clergy sex abuse, just like you, get the justice they deserve.

What Is Clergy Sex Abuse in Miami?

Clergy sexual abuse in Miami is a form of child sexual abuse. It occurs when a member of the clergy makes sexual advances or performs sexual acts on or with a child within the clergy’s religious community. The clergy grooms and takes advantage of the child by forming a trusted relationship and then convincing the child this is “God’s will” or that it is natural and OK because they love each other and love God. Members of the clergy may include, but are not limited to:

Priests
Rabbis
Deacons
Bishops
Ministers

Pastors
Imams
Spiritual Advisors
Spiritual Leaders

What Are Examples of Clergy Sex Abuse in Miami?

Clergy sexual abuse can be blatant sexual acts or more subtle actions of a sexual nature. Some examples of clergy sex abuse include, but are not limited to:

Anal, vaginal, or oral penetration with a penis, finger, or other objects
Forcing a child to fondle a clergy person’s genitalia
Videotaping a child performing sexual acts
Sharing pornographic material
Fondling a child’s genitalia or intimate areas
Possession of child pornography
Watching a child perform sexual acts
Sexual assault
Sexting
Sending sexually explicit emails
Discussing sexually explicit issues with a child

What Are the Effects of Clergy Sex Abuse in Miami?

Victims of clergy sex abuse suffer severe trauma on many levels. Not only are they sexually abused by a person they know and trust, but the abuse is often associated with God and religion, which can cause additional confusion and pain for the victim. Some of the effects of clergy sex abuse include, but are not limited to:

Night terrors
Severe nightmares
Post-traumatic stress syndrome
Anxiety
Depression
Low self-esteem
Shame
Distrust of authority
Substance abuse
Schizophrenia

Who Are the Victims of Clergy Sex Abuse in Miami?

Clergy members choose to groom children that are closest to them. As trusted members of the community in a position of high respect, they have access to families and children in private and close quarters, Families trust clergy members because they are supposed to be closest to God and therefore be pure.

The victims of clergy sex abuse are minor members of the religious community They are often children that volunteer to help the clergy around the community in different areas and positions. These children are often left alone with clergy for hours on end and are taught to trust the clergy without exception.

What Rights Do Clergy Sex Abuse Victims Have in Miami?

As of July 1, 2010, victims of clergy sex abuse have been protected by the Florida House Bill 525, which was passed in March 2010. As a result of this bill, any child abused under the age of 16 can file criminal and /or civil claims against the sexual abuser, including clergy members at any age. There is absolutely no statute of limitations or time limit for these victims to file a claim and obtain justice.

Who Are the Accomplices that Contribute to the Culture of Clergy Sex Abuse in Miami?

The environment in religious communities make it easier for clergy to have unmonitored access to children than other individuals in other communities. However, certain people are in positions to help children and can be considered accomplices to be included in litigation when filing a claim for clergy sexual abuse. Some of the accomplices may be:

Elders within the religious community
Therapists and others in a position to report the abuse
Religious schoolteachers
Religious school leaders
Supervising adults within the religious community

Testimonials

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Olivia is the best! Oliva was very thorough, patient, and very detailed and descriptive regarding the process. She was very supportive of my sexual harassment case. From the very beginning, she communicated and would provide me with any updates and she was always available when I needed anything. More importantly, she always extended that comfort level of trust which always made me feel at peac... Read Full Testimonial

Desirae Gallardo

Casey Barkhordarian is a fabulous attorney to work with. He explained everything to me about the case (including the millions of questions I asked) right from the start of our very first meeting. He did so in a way that I could understand and was very prompt and clear with communication the entire time. Casey Barkhordarian is a very competent and knowledgeable lawyer to have on your team. I def... Read Full Testimonial

Chelsi Ferrini

Matt Finkleberg is by far the best attorney I’ve ever hired! From the outset, it was evident that he was not just another lawyer; Matt is nothing short of extraordinary. He possesses the ability to do his job phenomenally while somehow managing to give me hope during one of my darkest of hours. Matt consistently returned my calls promptly, regardless of my questions, confusion, or self-doubt ... Read Full Testimonial

Tanya Scheer

I cannot speak highly enough about my experience working with Matt Finkelberg. From the very beginning, Matt approached my case with an incredible level of professionalism, knowledge, and dedication that immediately put me at ease. It is rare to find an attorney who not only possesses an impressive depth of legal expertise but who also truly cares about the well-being and best interests of thei... Read Full Testimonial

Keely Mettlen

Olivia is absolutely outstanding! She understands the emotional side of your case while being able to find the legal aspects of holding the employer accountable for breaking the law! Made a really terrible situation a little easier by explaining everything and helping me get everything in order and in the right hands. I would not use anyone else! Call them for any sexual harassment case... You ... Read Full Testimonialwon't be disappointed! 10/10

Rae Millstone

This law firm is absolutely amazing!!! They went so above and beyond for me!!! I am so grateful for all their help with my difficult case!!! If you need a lawyer, you will be in great hands with their firm!!! And wait until you see the office! The building is so high tech I couldn't figure out how to get in the elevator lol!

Stacey Marie Norton

It was a pleasure to have Casey represent and help me for my employment case. It was my first time needing an attorney, so I was a bit apprehensive at first – Casey took the time to answer all of my questions and fully explain everything to me, which really put me at ease. He was very attentive, supportive, and knowledgeable throughout the whole process – Casey would ask questions to ensure... Read Full Testimonial

Corey Kientz

matt is an excellent attorney. he handled my case with the utmost care and highly exceeded all expectations. i could not recommend derek smith and esp. matt finkelberg enough

Seedie Whiser

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Seedie Whiser

Matt handled a suit against the City of LA and members of the a Neighborhood Council for racial discrimination and harassment. Ths was the first suit of this type filed on a Neighborhood Council Matt handled it with poise and above all professionalism. He walked me through the 3 year process and above all provided moral support and encouragement as I still experienced racism and harassment duri... Read Full Testimonial

Anthony Scearce

Matt Finkelberg is Amazing and Devotional! It was a pleasure to have Matt represent me for my employment case. He was very attentive, supportive, and knowledgable throughout the whole process. Whenever I reached out he responded promptly which I greatly appreciated. Matt fought diligently and hard throughout my case to make sure my case was represented best. Thank you again Matt for everything.... Read Full Testimonial

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What Type of Justice in Criminal Court is Typically available to Victims of Clergy Sex Abuse in Miami?

The criminal justice system in Miami views victims of clergy sex abuse as witnesses to help convict clergy members of these crimes. Clergy sexual abuse convictions include the following sentences:

Clergy who abuse children under 12 may be sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 25 years or may receive the death penalty
Clergy who abuse children over the age of 12 may be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison.
Clergy who use drugs or other aggressive means, such as guns or family threats, may receive a sentence of up to 20 years in prison
Dangerous sexual predators may be sentenced to a mandatory 25 years in prison.
All clergy convicted of sexual abuse must register ad sex offenders.

What Remedies Are Available in Civil Court for Victims of Clergy Sex Abuse in Miami?

In Miami civil court, you would become a party to the lawsuit and the plaintiff bringing a lawsuit against the clergy member(s) that sexually abused you. As a plaintiff, you are likely looking for relief through the courts. Some of the remedies available to victims of clergy sexual abuse may include, but are not limited to:

Reimbursement of medical and other expenses
Therapist and counseling payments
Lost wages
Attorney’s fees
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Punitive damages

What Resources Are Available for Victims of Clergy Sex Abuse in Miami?

Lauren’s Kids. Lauren’s Kids is an organization which helps children by offering guidance and education to begin the healing process.
RAINN. Rape, Assault, Incest, National Network is the largest national organization to help victims of sexual assault. It provides a hotline to help victims of clergy sex abuse as well as other resources to help people more on and start a new life.
Darkness to Light. Darkness to Light helps victims of clergy sex abuse by helping them find therapists, and other helpful resources needed to move forward.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network. This organization helps children by using evaluations and therapies to overcome the trauma of the abuse.
Stop It Now. Stop It Now helps adult survivors of clergy sexual abuse find the organizations to help the healing process.

Verdicts & Settlements

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$4.9 Million Settlement

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Catherine Lowry Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania The Derek Smith Law Group secured a $4.9 million settlement on behalf of multiple employees of Schuylkill County who came forward with allegations of sexual harassment,…

$1.5 Million Settlement

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Derek Smith Supreme Court of the State of New York, County…

$2.78 Million Jury Verdict

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Zachary Holzberg United States District Court, Eastern District of New York…

$4.050 Million Jury Verdict

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Derek Smith Supreme Court of the State of New York, County…

$1.6 Million Jury Verdict

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Derek Smith Supreme Court of the State of New York, Appellate…

Contact Our Experienced Miami Clergy Sex Abuse Attorneys for a Free Consultation

Clergy sexual abuse traumatizes children in ways that other forms of child sexual abuse may not, especially because of the nature of the relationship between the clergy member, the child, and God.

If you or a family member has been the victim of clergy sexual abuse, the team of prior sex-crimes prosecutors at the Derek Smith Law Group will be able to help.

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If you experience any form of sexual harassment, our expert legal team is here to help you fight back immediately with strength. Please call us at 8800.807.2209 or email derek@dereksmithlaw.com.

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