Sexual harassment is normally a civil matter, but in extreme circumstances, these actions can rise to the level of sexual assault or even more serious charges. While single incidents or even suggestive comments are usually not considered harassment, a variety of behaviors can expose you to civil or criminal liability. If you’ve been accused of any of the following forms of harassment, you may need a sexual assault defense attorney to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

What Are the Different Types of Sexual Harassment?

1. Quid Pro Quo

Offering to exchange promotions, assignments, or job opportunities for sexual favors is illegal under any circumstances. While this behavior doesn’t typically qualify as a crime, it may result in potentially expensive lawsuits that could impact your career for the rest of your life. However, extreme coercion could be considered a form of sexual assault, which may result in criminal charges.

2. Hostile Environment

Repeated jokes, comments, suggestive texts, or sexual language can quickly create a hostile work environment, impacting the ability of people to do their jobs and get ahead. Like quid-pro-quo offers, creating a hostile environment is also not always a crime, but it can violate both federal, state, or local laws, giving victims the right to sue.

3. Unwanted Touching

When sexual harassment becomes physical, victims may have the right to press criminal charges, along with filing a civil suit. Because the consequences can be so severe, anyone accused of inappropriately touching a colleague or employee should consult with a sexual assault defense attorney immediately to ensure they don’t accidentally damage their case by speaking with the police.

If you’ve been charged with sexual harassment anywhere in the Flathead Valley, MT, area, Lane K. Bennett, Attorney at Law, will protect your rights and mount the most aggressive defense possible. Their sexual assault defense attorneys have an in-house investigator, along with over 36 years of experience. Visit their website to see how they can help, or call (406) 752-7300 to speak with an accomplished sexual assault defense attorney today.