The victim in the domestic violence case involving 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster has hired an attorney, an uncommon move and one that legal experts suspect signals she does not plan to cooperate with the prosecution.
Stephanie Rickard, who is based in San Jose, confirmed Friday that she has been hired by Foster's girlfriend but declined to say why she has been retained.
Though rare, victims in domestic violence cases bring on attorneys for several reasons, including wanting someone to give them guidance or help them understand what is happening as the case proceeds. Most common is that they want to explore their right not to testify or do not intend to cooperate with the prosecution.