For many years, the Catholic church and many other churches have been getting away with sexual abuse, physical abuse, clergy abuse and priest abuse. Clergy abuse is a serious offense, and those affected by it are often bothered by the stigma and depression that stems from such incidents their whole lives. Arizona is no exception. Arizona has been rocked by a number of clergy abuse and minister sex abuse scandals over the past decade, and the problem is, many offenders get off, Scott free, because the offense is revealed after the Arizona Statute of Limitations expire.
A typical case of clergy abuse in Arizona, concerning Reverend Michael Teta from Tucson, Arizona, revealed that the Reverend molested dozens of children all the way back to the ’70’s, many of whom never received justice. Why? Because those involved turned the case over to the Catholic church, to then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who became Pope Benedict XVI back in 2005. But thanks to the bureaucracy of the Catholic church, that case was buried for 12 years, and Teta was protected by the Archdiocese in Rome for many years after the crimes were committed, until he was finally removed from the Catholic church by The Pope himself. But how many victims suffered in silence, and how many never received the justice they deserved?
If you are a clergy abuse, priest abuse, or minister sex abuse survivor, and you need the help of a skilled, experienced sex abuse or clergy abuse attorney to get the justice you deserve, contact renowned clergy abuse lawyer Sam Rogatinsky of the Rogatinsky Firm. If you have a case, Mr. Rogatinsky can help. Mr. Rogatinsky is a well known advocate for clergy abuse survivors. The details of your case are completely confidential. You can reach Sam on the toll free number located in this site or on his personal cell phone at (954) 995-3805. Call anytime. If you get voicemail, leave your information. Mr. Rogatinsky will call you back very quickly.
Mr. Rogatinsky knows how important therapy is for sex or clergy abuse victims. When abused, you need help to get your life back on track. If you can’t find the help you need, let Mr. Rogatinsky know, or contact sites like SNAP, Clergy Abuse Victims, or WingsFound.org. They will direct you to the assistance you need.
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If you do have a case, Mr. Rogatinsky can help, but there’s only so much time to act. For your assistance, the statute of limitations for Arizona are listed below:
Statute of Limitations for Civil Cases:
- There is a two year Statute of Limitations for sexual abuse cases but there is no general statutory exception for sex-related actions. Arizona Rev. Stat. § 12-542.
- There is a delayed tolling for cases involving minors, meaning that you may file a case up to 2 years after you turn 18. Arizona Rev. Stat. § 12-502.
- Discovery is explained as thus: “[A] cause of action does not accrue until the plaintiff knows or with reasonable diligence should know the facts underlying the cause.” See Doe v. Roe, 191 Ariz. 313 (1998).
Statute of Limitations for Criminal Cases:
There can be a sexual abuse suit filed when a minor between 15 and 18 years old is concerned. In most cases it can be filed within 7 years, Arizona Rev. Stat. § 13-107(B)(1), but there is no Statute of Limitations if the perpetrator is the minor’s clergyman or priest. § 13-1405. Misdemeanor sex offenses have a 1 year SOL. § 13-107(B)(2).
If someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse by a member of the clergy, contact our law firm at (954) 995.3805 or send an email to sexual abuse lawyer Samuel Rogatinsky at samr@clergyabuse.org