Sexual Assault Attorney In Salisbury

Confidential Legal Guidance For Survivors On The Eastern Shore

Sexual assault is a profound violation that can affect every part of your life. If this has happened to you in or around Salisbury, you may be unsure what to do next, and you may not be ready to involve many people. You do not have to sort through your options alone.

I am attorney William R. Hall, and I represent survivors of sexual assault here on the Eastern Shore. For more than two decades, I have been in Maryland courtrooms handling serious criminal and injury cases. I have tried and resolved thousands of criminal matters, and I bring that experience to every survivor I meet. As a former Assistant State's Attorney with an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale Hubbell, I understand how these cases move through the system, and I know the courts in Salisbury well. When you contact William R. Hall, P.A., your consultation is confidential, and simply talking with me does not lock you into any particular path.

Call (410) 205-1684 today to set up a consultation, or contact us online to learn more.

How I Support Survivors

When you have been assaulted, it can be hard to trust anyone, especially within the legal system. My role is to give you a safe, respectful place to talk about what happened, at your own pace, and to explain your legal options in clear language. I listen first, and I do not pressure you to decide anything before you are ready.

In many situations, survivors have contact with agencies such as the Salisbury Police Department or the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office, and later the office of the State's Attorney in Wicomico County. Because I previously worked as an Assistant State's Attorney on the Eastern Shore, I understand how those offices typically approach criminal sexual offense cases. I use that knowledge to help you anticipate what they might ask of you and what they may focus on if charges are pursued.

Some assaults also create grounds for a civil claim for damages. This can involve seeking compensation for medical care, counseling, missed work, and other harms connected to the assault. When that is possible, I work to document those losses carefully so that you are not left to manage the paperwork and evidence on your own. My practice is rooted in this region, and I have appeared many times in trial courts that serve Salisbury and the surrounding communities. That familiarity can make the process less intimidating, because I can explain where hearings typically occur, who is likely to be involved, and how scheduling often works here. My team and I work to preserve key records and other evidence when there is a related injury claim, so important information is not lost over time.

Criminal & Civil Paths Explained

After a sexual assault, one of the most confusing parts can be the difference between the criminal process and any civil claim that might exist. Both can matter, and they serve different purposes. Understanding this difference can help you decide what you want to do, if anything, and when you want to do it.

Criminal cases are brought by the State of Maryland, often through a local State's Attorney's Office if the alleged assault occurred in or near Salisbury. The goal of a criminal case is to decide whether the accused should be punished under Maryland law. You may be asked to provide a statement, meet with prosecutors, or testify, although the specific steps depend on the facts and on how the case develops.

As a survivor, you have important rights in a criminal case, but you do not control every decision. Prosecutors decide what charges to file and whether to offer or accept a plea. My background as a former prosecutor helps me explain how charging decisions are usually made, what evidence tends to carry the most weight, and what you might expect in local courts. A civil claim is different. In a civil case, you may be able to bring a claim against the person who assaulted you, and in some situations against an institution that failed to protect you, such as a property owner or employer. The focus in a civil case is on compensation for harm, such as medical bills, therapy costs, lost income, and the impact on your daily life.

Civil claims are governed by deadlines that can prevent you from filing if too much time passes. The exact time limits depend on the type of claim and other factors. Part of my job as a sexual assault lawyer in Salisbury is to review your situation, identify any possible claims, and explain how time limits might apply, all in a confidential consultation. You do not need to know in advance whether you want to pursue a criminal complaint, a civil claim, both, or neither. Many survivors simply want information at first. When you speak with me, I explain what each path could look like here in Maryland, and we talk about what feels right for you.

Next Steps After Sexual Assault

You may feel overwhelmed right now, and the idea of planning next steps can seem impossible. There is no single correct way to respond to sexual violence, and your safety and well-being come first. The suggestions below are options to consider, not requirements, and you can talk with me at any point in this process.

Medical care is often a priority, both for your health and to document any injuries. Hospitals and clinics in and around Salisbury often provide examinations and can record what they find. If a forensic exam is available and you feel able to participate, it can sometimes help preserve evidence, although this is a deeply personal choice.

Some survivors choose to report the assault to law enforcement, such as the Salisbury Police Department or the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office. Others are not ready or prefer to wait. I can discuss the pros and cons of reporting with you, including how a report might influence any future criminal case and what level of involvement you are comfortable with. It can also help to preserve potential evidence where it is safe to do so. That might include saving clothing, text messages, emails, or social media conversations related to the assault. You do not need to organize everything yourself. My team and I can guide you on what may matter legally and how to safeguard it.

What you say and where you say it can affect both criminal and civil matters. Posting details on social media, confronting the accused directly, or discussing the incident widely can sometimes create complications later. I can help you think through what to share, and with whom, so that you can protect both your privacy and your legal interests. If you are uncertain about any step, you can contact William R. Hall, P.A. for a confidential consultation. Speaking with me early can help you avoid unintentional mistakes, and it gives you a chance to ask questions about your rights in Salisbury and across the Eastern Shore before you talk with investigators or insurance representatives.

Why Survivors Choose My Practice

When you look for a sexual assault attorney in Salisbury, you need more than a list of practice areas. You need someone who has stood in court on serious cases many times, who understands how prosecutors think, and who is committed to handling your case with integrity. My background allows me to offer that level of representation.

I have handled more than 4,000 criminal cases over the course of my career, including many serious felonies. That volume of work has given me a detailed understanding of how evidence is challenged, how motions are argued, and how juries in this part of Maryland often respond. I draw on that experience when I evaluate sexual assault related matters.

Serving as an Assistant State's Attorney on the Eastern Shore earlier in my career gave me insight into how charging decisions are made and how sensitive cases are prepared for trial. I use that insight today to anticipate what the State may do, what weaknesses might exist in a case, and how to protect your rights throughout the process.

My AV Preeminent rating from Martindale Hubbell reflects strong reviews for both legal ability and ethics from other lawyers and judges. In sexual assault cases, where survivors share deeply personal information, ethics and professionalism are not abstract terms. They are essential qualities that shape how I safeguard your privacy and how I handle your case in and around Salisbury.

I grew up on the Eastern Shore, and I practice exclusively in this region. I know the local trial courts and the attorneys who appear there regularly. When there is a potential civil injury claim connected to the assault, my team helps with careful evidence preservation and case preparation so that you are not left to navigate a complex process by yourself. My goal in every matter is to combine local knowledge with thorough preparation and straightforward advice. Survivors choose my practice because they want a lawyer who understands this community, respects what they have been through, and is prepared to stand up for them in court when that is the path they choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will our first conversation be confidential?

Yes. When you contact my office, your consultation is treated as confidential legal communication. You decide how much detail to share and when. I explain how confidentiality works in Maryland and what exceptions may apply, so you can speak freely and understand how your information is protected.

Do I have to report to the police if I call you?

No. Talking with me does not require you to file a police report. Some people want help deciding whether to report, while others are not ready. I explain what reporting usually involves in Salisbury and what it might mean for criminal and civil options, then you choose what feels right.

How do your fees work in sexual assault cases?

In potential civil claims related to sexual assault, I typically use a contingency fee, which means you do not pay legal fees up front. My specific approach depends on your situation, and I explain it clearly before you decide anything, so you know how fees and costs would be handled.

What happens in the first meeting with you?

In our first meeting, I listen to your story at your pace and ask only the questions needed to understand the basics. We talk about your safety, your goals, and possible criminal and civil paths. I also outline next steps and answer your questions, without pressuring you to commit.

How does your experience as a former prosecutor help my case?

My time as an Assistant State's Attorney on the Eastern Shore helps me anticipate how prosecutors evaluate sexual assault reports, what evidence they look for, and how they prepare for court. I use that perspective to build your case, prepare you for contact with the State, and protect your rights. If you are considering speaking with a sexual assault lawyer in Salisbury, you deserve clear information and respectful support. I am here to answer your questions, explain your options in Salisbury and across the Eastern Shore, and help you decide what is best for you at this point in your life.

To speak confidentially with William R. Hall, P.A. about your situation, call (410) 205-1684.