MICHAEL L. NEFF
* has handled all facets
of personal injury and civil litigation including mediation, arbitration,
and trial.
* is recognized as an Advocate by the National College of Advocacy.
* is a member of the National Crime Victim Bar Association.
* is a member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America and its Motor
Vehicle Collision and Premises Liability Section.
* is a member of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association.
* has been interviewed and quoted in print and radio and TV on cases and
general legal issues.
* is a graduate of George Washington University (B.S. Finance) and The
Dickinson School of Law at The Pennsylvania State University (J.D.).
* is active in his community, having served as President of the Atlanta
Junior Chamber of Commerce, President of his Sunday School Class at Church,
and has volunteered for numerous charities.
Why do we represent victims of violent crime?
I have taken an interest in this
issue since law school. My first moot court assignment was to argue on the
admissibility of expert testimony on rape trauma syndrome. Rape Trauma
Syndrome deals with behavorial and other changes that a victim may
experience both short-term and long-term while healing from the attack.
Frequently, the victim of a
sexual assault will blame themself. They can feel embarrassment and guilt.
As a result, they may downplay the effects of a sexual assault. However, the
effects of an assault can still take a toll years afterwards. Sometimes a
victim has to be encouraged to seek professional counseling so they can move
past these feelings.
That research, along with some
shared experiences of a close friend who had been a victim of sexual
assault, gave me a better understanding of the horrible impact it can have
on a person’s life. I have been fortunate to volunteer forThe W.I.S.E.
Center (Fairhaven Inn) in Atlanta - an organization that assists battered
women.
What are some of the special
issues involved in representing crime victims?
Some people think that crime is
not preventable. However, many experts agree that with proper lighting and
security patrol, many crimes can be prevented. Criminals have a natural
desire not to get caught and thus will avoid an area that looks like it has
good security.
As a result, crime victims need
an attorney that is aware that hiring experts on security can be a necessary
step in order to properly present a case. Frequently, a business knows or
should know of criminal activity in the surrounding neighborhood. Thus, they
have an opportunity to take steps to prevent crime.
Or, a business may hire someone
with a criminal record because they have failed to do criminal background
checks. This is especially important when the employee has access to
victim’s living quarters such as in an apartment, hotel, hospital, or
nursing home. A lawyer who has researched this area will be able to research
local laws or industry standards and practices that a business may be
violating.
In addition, an attorney familiar
with criminal negligence will take action to research prior instances of
criminal behavior. Thus, it is important to contact an attorney quickly
after an assault has taken place so that interviews and other action can
take place. If you or a loved one has been a victim of criminal assault,
call The Law Offices of Michael L. Neff, P.C. at 404-531-9700 or
click here to send an e-mail.
