Talk With a Lawyer Now
If you are found guilty of sexual harassment, the punishment will depend on the level of harassment. For example, most physical contact would be charged as a Class C misdemeanor. Sexual harassment includes both verbal and physical conduct, and physical harassment such as unwanted touching or assault is taken seriously under the law. However, pinching or otherwise causing pain may elevate the charge to a Class A. Sexual assault is a second-degree felony assault, and consistent harassment could be a Class B felony.
Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination prohibited by federal and state laws, including the Civil Rights Act. These laws protect employees’ civil rights in the workplace and provide remedies for unlawful behavior. Under employment law, both federal and Texas statutes safeguard individuals from sexual harassment and retaliation, ensuring equal treatment and legal recourse for victims.
If you are found guilty of any of these charges, you may be sentenced to jail time or required to pay a fine. You may also have to register as a sex offender for the rest of your life, not be allowed to possess firearms and struggle to find housing or employment due to your criminal record. That’s why it is so imperative to have a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer on your side. It is also valuable to consult experienced sexual harassment attorneys or sexual harassment lawyers who specialize in employment law and can defend your civil rights.
There are a wide variety of potential defenses against the charge of sexual harassment. We may be able to show that the victim’s claims are false, that someone else was the perpetrator, or that the claims do not rise to the level of illegal sexual harassment. If the alleged victim did not correctly file their claim, or if the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) did not find anything, the claim may be thrown out. The Employment Opportunity Commission EEOC is responsible for investigating sexual harassment cases and enforcing federal law, including Title VII, which protects employees from harassment based on sex, gender, or sexual orientation. It is important for any victim of sexual harassment, whether an employee, co-worker, or worker, to submit a formal complaint and follow proper procedures when reporting sexual harassment. Both same sex and opposite sex harassment are covered under state laws and Title VII, and harassment can target individuals regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Sexual harassment can include unwelcome sexual advances, unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexual advances, inappropriate touching, sexual jokes, offensive remarks, offensive comments, and other forms of verbal or physical behavior of a sexual nature. Quid pro quo harassment is a specific type of sexual harassment where a supervisor or employer requests sexual favors in exchange for workplace benefits. Isolated incidents or offhand comments may not rise to the level of illegal harassment unless they create a hostile work environment or offensive work environment.
It is illegal to retaliate against an employee for filing a sexual harassment claim. That means that if you have an employee who has accused you of harassment, you are not permitted to fire them, reduce their hours, or otherwise punish them. It is critical that you do not retaliate, even though it may be tempting. In many cases, the retaliation claim winds up being easier to prosecute than the initial sexual harassment claim. Employees have important legal rights under both federal law and Texas state laws, and it is essential to seek legal advice from a harassment attorney to determine the best course of action.
Allegations of sexual harassment can quickly spiral from a seemingly minor workplace issue to a major criminal one, which is why it is so important to hire a San Antonio sexual assault lawyer. Remember, your HR department is there to protect the company, not to protect you. You need someone who you can count on to be on your side – that’s where Zarka Law Firm comes in. Victims of sexual harassment may experience significant mental anguish and emotional distress, and in successful sexual harassment cases, it is possible to recover damages, including punitive damages, for the harm suffered.
You can count on Zarka Law Firm to develop the strongest defense possible for your situation. We are experienced attorneys that understand what you are going through. When you work with us, you can be sure that we will examine all of the evidence and do everything possible to keep your record clean and help you move forward with your life and put this behind you. Our firm has extensive experience defending clients in Texas sexual harassment cases under both state and federal law, and we are committed to protecting your legal rights. Give us a call today to find out how we can help you fight sexual harassment charges in San Antonio.
