Will My Identity Be Kept Private if I File a Sexual Assault Case?

Yes, you will likely be able to keep your identity private if you file a sexual assault case. That said, you’ll want to let your lawyer know at the beginning of your case that you wish to remain anonymous. That way, your attorney can take steps to protect your identity throughout the legal process.

To ensure you stay anonymous while also getting the representation you need to bring the offending party to justice, you’ll want to work with an experienced Atlanta sexual assault lawyer. 

Let’s take a closer look at how to keep your identity private during a sexual assault case and how a trusted attorney can help you get a favorable result.

Staying Anonymous in Court Filings

If you are wondering if your identity will be kept private if you file a sexual assault case, it can be helpful to learn more about anonymity in court filings. Depending on your situation, you may have legal options to protect your identity in court documents. 

In some cases, you can file a lawsuit under a pseudonym, such as “Jane Doe” or “John Doe,” instead of using your real name. Courts can also grant motions to seal certain records, preventing the public from obtaining information about you.

However, these protections may vary by jurisdiction. You’ll want to speak to a dedicated attorney to learn more about maintaining anonymity at this step of the legal process. A lawyer can advise you on your rights and answer any questions you have about your sexual assault case. 

How You Can Protect Your Identity During Litigation

The legal system offers various safeguards to protect your privacy during the legal process. For example, protective orders can prevent the accused from contacting you and keep courtroom proceedings closed to the public. Redacting certain documents can also keep your identity private if you file a sexual assault case.

While there are options you can use to protect your identity, doing so can be hard without the help of an experienced lawyer. Make sure to hire a skilled attorney who can take measures to maintain your anonymity and help you feel safer when pursuing justice.

Considering Media and Public Exposure Risks During a Sexual Assault Case

As you might know, sexual assault cases can attract media attention, which has the potential to expose the identities of survivors. If you want your identity to be kept private during your sexual assault case, you’ll want to learn more about the laws that restrict media from publishing information about these cases.

While some laws restrict the media from making the names of survivors public, journalists may still report on case details in some situations. A committed attorney can work proactively to limit media exposure, request gag orders when necessary, and offer further advice on managing unwanted publicity.

How an Attorney Can Help Keep Your Identity Private During a Sexual Assault Case

Hiring a lawyer who has experience handling cases like yours is the best way to keep your identity private when filing a sexual assault lawsuit. Here’s what a lawyer can do to protect your name and personal information during a trial:

• Formally request to file your case under a pseudonym
• Petition the court to seal records and prevent sensitive documents from being made public
• Advocate for closed courtroom proceedings
• Advise you on protective orders and gag orders
• Work hard to ensure details like your address, phone number, and workplace are redacted from court documents
• Manage communications with law enforcement and prosecutors to minimize unnecessary public exposure
• Refer you to sexual assault resources provided by the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) and other organizations
• Navigate state-specific privacy protections to ensure you remain confidential throughout your entire case

These are just a few of the steps a lawyer can take on your behalf during a sexual assault case. A skilled attorney will also investigate the abuse you suffered, gather evidence for your case, and represent you during all trials and legal proceedings. 

With a trusted lawyer by your side, you can have peace of mind that your identity will stay private and that you have an excellent chance at bringing the offending party to justice. 

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Sexual Assault Lawyer

Pursuing justice for sexual assault can be an intimidating, painful, and confusing process. At a time like this, you’re probably looking for reassurance that the person who assaulted you won’t be able to identify or locate you. At John Foy & Associates, we have over 350 years of combined legal experience.

Our attorneys have a great deal of knowledge regarding anonymity during the legal process. We can fight for the justice you deserve and work hard to protect your name and personal details. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about whether your identity will be kept private if you file a sexual assault case.