Derek Smith Law Group / Child Sexual Abuse Attorney / Clergy Sex Abuse Attorneys / Clergy Sex Abuse Attorneys in New York City

Clergy Sex Abuse Attorneys in New York City

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What is Clergy Sex Abuse in New York City?
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Clergy sex abuse in New York City has become an epidemic. It is such an issue that new laws had to be passed to help give victims more time to come forward and tell their stories. As of February 19, 2019, New York’s Child Victims Act changes this, removing the statute of limitations through August 14, 2020, and then extending it until the victim reaches age 55. This law was enacted to help all child victims of sex abuse, however, it is especially helpful to victims of the clergy, priest, and church sexual abuse. For the past 25 years, the attorneys at the Derek Smith Law Group have helped all victims of clergy sex abuse get the justice they so rightly deserve.

What is Clergy Sex Abuse in New York City?

Clergy sex abuse in New York City is a form of child sexual abuse that is specific to clergy, priests, church elders, rabbis, and any other religious leaders. As child sexual predators, these clergy members take advantage of their role as trusted advisors to children and their families, resulting in devasting clergy sexual abuse that leave scars the children may never get over. Clergy can be defined as:

Priests
Deacons
Bishops
Ministers
Pastors

Rabbis
Imam
Nuns
Spiritual leader
Spiritual advisor

Who Are the Victims of Clergy Sex Abuse in New York City?

Clergy sexual abuse in New York City targets child victims who trust their clergy and attend religious events and services regularly. The victims may be male or female and are likely minors under the age of 18. Many times, they are children that are very active in the religious community.

These children are indoctrinated in their faith and are taught to trust their religious leaders without a doubt. They see being at this level in the church or religious community as an honor and a calling from God. These children are vulnerable and easy targets from the clergy.

What Rights Do Clergy Sex Abuse Victims Have in New York City?

Adults and children that were clergy sex abuse victims are protected in New York City by some of the most comprehensive laws in the United States. The Child Victims Act, effective as of August 14, 2019, allows clergy sexual abuse victims in New York City to file a lawsuit in civil court against the abuse until they reach age 55. Between August 14, 2019, and August 14, 2020, any victim of clergy sex abuse in New York City can bring a lawsuit against the abuser if they were turned away in the past due to time limits, no matter how old the victim is.

As for criminal proceedings, the Child Victim Act allows the 5-year statute of limitations to press charges to begin at age 23, giving the victim until age 28 to press charges against the abuser.

Who Are the Accomplices that Contribute to the Culture of Clergy Sex Abuse in New York City?

With any issue relating to children, it takes a village. Clergy sexual abuse in New York City is no different. In order for the clergy to continue to get away with sexually assaulting children in the community, there must be numerous people willing to turn a blind eye and allow things to stay status quo. Some accomplish to clergy sexual abuse can be, but are not limited to:

Religious leaders
Parents
Religious schoolteachers
Employees of the religious institution
Any person in a position to report the abuse that did not follow their duty

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

Any clergy member found guilty in New York City criminal court of clergy sex abuse may be subject to the following punishments:

First degree child sexual assault is a Class D felony. The sentence is 2-7 years in prison.
2^nd-degree child sexual assault is a Class A misdemeanor. The sentence is up to a year in prison and fines of $1,000.
3^rd degree child sexual assault is a class B misdemeanor. The sentence is up to 3 months in jail and a fine of $500.
First degree aggravated assault is a class B felony. The sentence is 5 to 25 years in prison.

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During the time that I really needed a good counselor and I was approaching different attorneys unfortunately before they heard the problem they were demanding a retainer fee. A friend of mine introduced me to the Derek Smith Law Group and I was very fortunate to be answered by Matt Finkleberg who was very polite and understanding and gave me a lot of confidence without asking for any fees in f... Read Full Testimonial

Sambiz Amini

Matt Finkleberg is by far the best attorney I’ve ever hired!

Tanya Scheer

Matt Finkelberg is an outstanding attorney. It was a pleasure to have him represent me for my employment case. He was very easy to talk to. He was very supportive and knowledgeable throughout the whole process. He explained the entire process to me and kept me informed every step of the way. Matt fought diligently throughout my case to make sure my case was represented best. I am very gratef... Read Full Testimonial

Phyllis Parker

Matt Finkelberg is a top notch lawyer. He is very easy to talk to and truly cared about me as his client. He definitely earned my trust and confidence in his capabilities to represent me in the most professional respects. I give Matt and his firm the Derek Smith Law Group my highest recommendation to anyone who is seeking legal help for employee/employer related matters.

Wally Peczon

Matt Finkelberg is a life saver. During this whole process not only did I have a great lawyer but I also made a great friend. Matt was very attentive to my case, and mental health. Matt helped me during probably the darkest time of my life and for that I am forever grateful to have came across the Derek Smith law group. As a past client, I 100% recommend Matt Finkleberg. Matt provides a safe sp... Read Full Testimonial

Tali Loya

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

Corey Kientz

You will be in great hands at this firm! Alyssa the managing paralegal is an absolute professional who excels at what she does. You can tell she truly cares about providing the best service possible, and is passionate about helping her clients. With Alyssa at the helm, this firm is a top-notch choice for anyone seeking assistance. Highly recommend!

Marissa Shander

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

jessica gonzalez

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

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As a victim of clergy sex abuse in New York City, you are entitled to seek justice. The courts offer several remedies to help you try to find a new normal, even years after the abuse occurred. Some of the remedies available to clergy sexual abuse victims include, but at not limited to:

Reimbursement of medical and other related expenses
Payment of continued therapy and counseling
Loss of income
Attorney’s fees
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Punitive damages

What Resources Are Available for Victims of Clergy Sex Abuse in New York City?

Lauren’s Kids. Lauren’s kids offer guidance and education to begin the healing process.
RAINN. This national organization 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 find therapists, and other helpful resources needed to move forward from the clergy sexual abuse.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network. This is meant to help children overcome the trauma of the abuse through the use of evaluation and therapies.
Stop It Now. This organization helps the adult survivors of clergy sexual abuse find the organizations to help the healing process.
New York Office of Victims Services. The office helps the victims of clergy sexual abuse find advocates, crime scene investigators, and other resources to help the victim report the incident and press charges.

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 New York City Clergy Sex Abuse Attorneys for a Free Consultation

Clergy sexual abuse is an epidemic that no child should have to endure.

If you or a loved one was the victim of clergy sexual abuse in New York City, our experienced team of form sex-crime prosecutors at the Derek Smith Law Group can help you get the justice you deserve.

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