Wear Trial Law represents survivors of sexual abuse in civil claims against the individuals who caused the harm and the institutions that enabled or concealed it. Michael Wear, a former Marin County prosecutor who tried cases on the Special Victims Unit felony trial team, handles these matters personally. Consultations are free and confidential, and many survivors can file under a pseudonym.
What a civil sexual abuse case can do that a criminal case cannot
A criminal prosecution belongs to the state. The survivor is a witness in it, not a party, and has no control over charging decisions, plea negotiations, or dismissal.
A civil case belongs to the survivor. It carries a lower burden of proof — a preponderance of the evidence rather than proof beyond a reasonable doubt. It can proceed even where no criminal charges were ever filed, or where charges were filed and did not result in conviction. And it reaches defendants a prosecution usually cannot: the school district, the diocese, the club, the employer, the medical group.
Civil discovery is the reason. It compels production of personnel files, prior complaints, internal investigation reports, and communications among administrators, and it puts decision-makers under oath. That is frequently where a survivor learns that they were not the first.
Cases the firm handles
- Child Sexual Abuse — claims arising from abuse suffered before age 18
- School & Teacher Sexual Abuse — public and private K-12 and higher education
- Clergy & Religious Institution Abuse — churches, dioceses, congregations, faith-based youth programs
- Youth Sports & Coach Sexual Abuse — club teams, leagues, camps, training facilities
- Sexual Abuse by Medical Providers — physicians, therapists, technicians, care staff
- Adult Sexual Assault — including workplace assault and assault in care settings
Two questions almost everyone asks first
“Is it too late?” Often not. California’s deadlines in this area have been amended repeatedly, and a new revival window opened on January 1, 2026. Assume nothing — see Revival Windows: What’s Open Right Now, then call.
“Will my name be public?” In many cases, no. California courts permit survivors of sexual abuse to proceed under a pseudonym in appropriate circumstances. See Filing Anonymously: Doe Pleadings & Privacy.
How Wear Trial Law works with survivors
The first conversation is a conversation, not an interrogation. There is no requirement to narrate the abuse in detail on a first call. What matters initially is far narrower: approximate dates, the institution involved, and whether anyone was told.
The firm does not file, contact an institution, or notify anyone without the client’s decision. Many people call to understand their options and then take months to decide. That is normal, and it is respected.
Confidential consultation. Call 415-233-9688.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
No. A civil claim does not require a police report or a criminal conviction.
A claim may still be viable against an institution, and in some circumstances against an estate.
Nothing up front. There is no attorney’s fee unless there is a recovery; costs are explained in writing before you sign anything.
Possibly, and the firm will prepare you thoroughly. Many cases resolve without trial testimony.
Often yes — see Filing Anonymously.
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