Seattle crime victim lawyers advocating for civil justice.
If you have been the victim of a crime, you may be able to bring a civil lawsuit for money damages. SGB is a local firm that represents crime victims. We are passionate about advocating on behalf of crime victims and their families, and we have years of direct experience in the Pacific Northwest in both the criminal and civil justice systems. A crime victim’s civil claim can grow stale or, worse, the statute of limitations can expire, while the criminal case takes its course, so do not delay in contacting our team of experienced attorneys.
No one expects to be the victim of a crime. Nonetheless, millions of people suffer the devastating impacts of crime and abuse every year. Crimes are prosecuted in the criminal system by the prosecuting attorney, but crime victims have the right to pursue civil lawsuits against offenders and responsible. A civil lawsuit allows you to sue the person or entity who harmed you or failed to protect you from being victimized for money damages. You may have a civil claim even if the prosecutor or police decline to file criminal charges against the perpetrator.
Our team includes former local criminal prosecutors who know their way around the criminal justice system and are proud members of the National Crime Victim Bar Association.
Team Members
Thomas Breen
Kaitlin Cherf
Sergio A. Garcidueñas-Sease
Benjamin Gauen
Lindsay Halm
Elizabeth Hanley
Chen-Chen Jiang
Julie Kline
Carson Phillips-Spotts
Rebecca Roe
Craig Sims
What sets SGB attorneys apart?
At SGB, we fight for justice on behalf of those who have been wronged or harmed. With decades of experience and a track record of success, our attorneys have taken on some of the toughest cases, holding negligent corporations, institutions, and other powerful entities accountable. We combine deep legal expertise with a passion for righteous justice, ensuring that our clients receive the dedicated advocacy they deserve.
Our firm is known for its innovative approach to the law, whether in personal injury, medical malpractice, employment disputes, or consumer protection cases. Our attorneys have helped shape legal precedent in Washington State and beyond, advancing protections for people just like you.
At SGB, we don’t just represent clients—we stand beside and fight alongside them.
“Great attention to detail, compassion and dedication”
My husband was diagnosed with mesothelioma and we reached out to Kaitlin to represent us, we are so grateful we did. Kaitlin not only knows everything about asbestos law, but she was the most caring attorney we've dealt with. This was a difficult time for us, but Kaitlin made us feel we could leave it up to her.
Types of Cases
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. After a crime has been committed, a prosecutor determines whether the government will pursue a criminal case against the perpetrator. As a victim, it is important to remember that although the Prosecutor’s role is to seek justice, they are not your attorney. The prosecutor represents the government’s interests and makes decisions based on what they believe is in the best interest of the public. Frequently that aligns with crime victims’ wishes, but at other times it may not. Prosecutors are also responsible for ensuring the case follows proper procedures, accounting for both the victim’s and the defendant’s legal rights. State law requires that victims are afforded certain rights that protect their privacy, ensure their safety, and offer support. These rights are detailed in Washington’s Crime Victim Bill of Rights. Civil attorneys can help safeguard these rights so victims are protected from further trauma, and so that prosecutors can focus on their primary task of seeking justice.
Yes. There are many reasons the prosecuting attorney may decide not to file criminal charges, including the requirement of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. But in a civil case, you only need enough evidence to establish your claim on a more probable than not basis. Also, the government can only bring charges against the crime perpetrator. But the perpetrators of the crime may not be the only ones at fault. In a civil case you can make claims against businesses, corporations, government agencies, or other organizations if they had a role in allowing you to be injured at the hands of the perpetrator.
It depends, so you should contact us for a consultation immediately. Time limits for filing a civil suit vary but can be as little as two years from the date of the crime, this is called the Statute of Limitations. Once that time limit is reached, you may be completely precluded from filing a civil suit. Don’t wait to contact us for a consultation so we can help you understand the time limitations you may be facing and avoid limiting your potential civil options or losing them altogether.
Not necessarily. It can take a year or more from the time of the crime for a criminal case to conclude. Timing for a civil suit in relation to the criminal case depends on several factors, including laws limiting the time you have for filing a civil case (the Statute of Limitations) and who you will sue. Because every case is different, and time limits for filing a civil suit can be as little as two years from the date of the crime, don’t wait to contact us for a consultation.
There is no charge for us to review your potential claim. If we take your case, we do so on a contingency basis, meaning that you don’t pay our fees unless we successfully resolve the claim in your favor. Contact us at 1-800-809-2234 or online here.