Lawyer – rape cases in Paris
Have you been the victim of rape or sexual assault? Are you considering filing a complaint or are you already involved in criminal proceedings? Are you accused in a rape case? Calling on an experienced criminal defense lawyer helps protect your rights and ensures you are supported at every stage, with care and determination.
Maître Lois Pamela LESOT, attorney at the Paris Bar, represents you throughout France
Holding degrees in criminal law, international criminal law, and business criminal law, and trained at leading French and British universities (King’s College London, Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne, Kent Law School), Maître Lois Pamela LESOT puts her expertise at the service of criminal defense throughout France, including the overseas territories.
Support at every stage of the proceedings
Maître LESOT intervenes from the very first moments to ensure that your rights are respected and that your voice is heard:
- Filing a complaint for rape or sexual assault
- Assistance during hearings and/or confrontations
- Assistance during police custody
- Filing as a civil party
- Judicial investigation and case follow-up
- Hearing before the Assize Court, the Criminal Court, or the Criminal Court (Tribunal correctionnel)
- Compensation claim before the Criminal Injuries Compensation Commission (CIVI)
- Enforcement of sentences and post-judgment follow-up
With experience gained in renowned law firms (Avi Bitton, William Julié, Collard & Associés…) and within courts (Paris Court of Appeal, International Criminal Court), she adopts a rigorous, human, and strategic approach to each case.
Areas of practice for rape cases and other sexual crimes and offences
Definitions of sexual crimes and offences
Victims’ rights and compensation
- Filing as a civil party and representation before the judge
- Assessment of damages (physical, moral, psychological, temporary incapacity for work – ITT)
- Criminal Injuries Compensation Commission (CIVI)
- Protective measures (restraining orders, no-contact orders)
- Referral to specialized psychological support
- Removal of unlawful content and de-indexing (sharing of intimate content)
Criminal defense
- Verification of the rights of prosecuted persons
- Advice and preparation of a defense strategy tailored to your situation
- Assistance throughout the criminal proceedings
- Protection of your image rights, and action against any defamation or insult
International Criminal Law
- Sexual crimes and offences committed abroad or by foreign nationals
- Extradition and European Arrest Warrant for alleged perpetrators
- International judicial cooperation
Stages of criminal proceedings for rape and other sexual crimes and offences
1. Investigation
- Flagrant investigation (when the offence has just occurred)
- Preliminary investigation
- Filing a complaint
- Police custody
The assistance of a criminal defense lawyer is strongly recommended at this stage of the proceedings, as it is crucial for what follows: explanation of procedural steps, advice and preparation for hearings, gathering and preservation of evidence (medical certificates, messages, screenshots, witness statements), requests for protective measures, and support during hearings and confrontations.
2. Judicial investigation / formal indictment
If a judicial investigation is opened and there are serious or consistent indications, the investigating judge may place the alleged perpetrator under formal investigation (mise en examen).
The complainant may, through their lawyer, file as a civil party.
The lawyer has access to the case file, requests investigative measures (medical and psychological expert reports, hearings, confrontations, searches), and ensures that your rights are respected.
3. Trial
- Hearing before the Criminal Court (Tribunal correctionnel) for sexual offences
- Trial before the Assize Court or the Criminal Court for rape (a sexual crime)
Your lawyer explains the process to you and prepares you for the hearing (which may be held in camera), prepares the documents and/or applications, and defends your interests (seeking recognition of your status as a victim and full compensation for your damages, or, conversely, requesting an acquittal or penalties proportionate to the seriousness of the facts).
4. Post-Judgment
- Advice on whether to file an appeal
- Monitoring the enforcement of sentences and prohibition measures
- Compensation (CIVI) and recovery of damages
- Sentence adjustments
- Extraordinary remedies (revision, European Court of Human Rights where applicable)
Your Criminal Defense with Maître Lois Pamela LESOT
Consult a lawyer: Maître Lois Pamela LESOT – +33 6 52 02 54 42 – lesot@loispamelalesot.com
The firm regularly assists and represents individuals who are victims or accused in cases of non-consensual sharing of intimate content, as well as in all types of criminal offences, such as rape or domestic violence.
Criminal law lawyer in Paris
Sexual assault lawyer in Paris
Extradition law lawyer in Paris
Police custody lawyer in Paris
European Arrest Warrant lawyer in Paris
FAQ – Lawyer for cases involving rape and other sexual crimes and offences (sexual assault, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, etc.) in Paris
1. Why hire a lawyer specialized in sexual crimes and offences (rape, sexual assault, etc.) in Paris?
An experienced criminal defense lawyer in cases involving sexual crimes and offences assists you from the moment a complaint is filed or from police custody, throughout the investigation and up to the trial. They protect your rights, ensure that procedures are followed, and defend your interests. If you are a victim, they help you obtain compensation.
Maître Lois Pamela LESOT, a lawyer at the Paris Bar, acts with rigor, humanity, and confidentiality for each victim or person accused.
2. What are the different forms of sexual crimes and offences recognized by the Criminal Code?
The Criminal Code distinguishes several offences:
- Rape (sexual penetration imposed by coercion, threat, violence, or surprise)
- Sexual assault (a sexual act without penetration: touching, inappropriate gestures, forced kissing)
- Aggravated sexual violence (against a minor, committed by multiple perpetrators, by a relative, with a weapon, etc.)
- Sexual harassment
- Indecent exposure
- Pimping
- Non-consensual sharing of intimate images
These acts are provided for and punished under French law and require appropriate legal support.
3. How do you file a complaint for rape or sexual assault?
You can file a complaint:
- At a police station or a gendarmerie
- By sending a letter to the Public Prosecutor
- With the direct assistance of your lawyer
Maître Lois Pamela LESOT helps you prepare your defense, gather evidence, and protect your interests from the very first interactions with the authorities.
4. What are the rights of victims of rape or sexual assault?
Victims have the right to:
- To be assisted by a lawyer at every stage
- To request protective measures (protection order, restraining measures)
- To seek compensation for damages before the courts
- To receive medical and psychological support
Your lawyer ensures that each of these rights is respected.
5. What happens after filing a complaint?
The procedure may include:
- The investigation (police custody of the suspect, hearings, confrontations, medical examinations, collection of evidence)
- The investigation phase (judicial investigation) (formal indictment of the suspect)
- The trial before the Criminal Court or the Assize Court
Your lawyer supports and advises you at every stage of the criminal proceedings and pleads for the recognition of your status as a victim and full compensation for your damages during the hearing or trial.
6. Can I receive psychological support during the proceedings?
Yes. In addition to legal support, you can receive psychological care from professionals specialized in sexual violence. Maître Lois Pamela LESOT can refer you to appropriate organizations and support services.
7. What are the time limits for taking action?
The limitation periods depend on the offence:
- 20 years from the date the offence was committed in the case of rape
- 30 years from the age of majority for the rape of a minor
- 6 years for sexual assault
- 10 years from the age of majority for sexual assault on a minor over the age of 15
- 20 years from the age of majority for a sexual assault committed against a minor under the age of 15
The sooner the victim takes action, the greater the chances of gathering useful evidence and witness statements.
8. Can my attacker be tried even without a direct witness?
Yes. The victim’s statements, medical certificates, messages, CCTV footage, expert reports, and contextual evidence may be sufficient to establish guilt. Your criminal defense lawyer ensures that all evidence is properly used.
9. How to choose a lawyer for victims of sexual crimes and offences in Paris?
For cases involving rape, sexual assault, sexual violence, and other sexual offences, it is advisable to choose:
- Expertise in criminal law and victims’ rights
- Proven experience in cases involving sexual crimes and offences
- An ability to listen and a commitment to stand by your side
Maître Lois Pamela LESOT brings together these qualities and practices throughout France.
10. How can you contact Maître Lois Pamela LESOT?
📞 06.52.02.54.42
📧 lesot@loispamelalesot.com
Law firm at the Paris Bar – Defense of victims and defendants in cases of rape, sexual assault, and sexual violence