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For Strauss-Kahn Accuser, Suing Could Be An Avenue

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The criminal case of alleged sexual assault against Dominique Strauss-Kahn may be falling apart, but that doesn't mean his accuser won't have her day in court.

Strauss-Kahn is accused of trying to rape a hotel maid but prosecutors' case against the former International Monetary Fund chief has weakened because of questions about the accuser's credibility.

Strauss-Kahn's legal team met with prosecutors on Wednesday to try to convince prosecutors to drop the sexual assault charges against him.

Sources say the District Attorney is holding out for a deal that would include Strauss-Kahn pleading to a misdemeanor. His attorneys, Benjamin Brafman and William Taylor III, are believed to be holding out for a complete dismissal of all charges.

But Strauss-Kahn's accuser could still pursue a her claim in a civil lawsuit, regardless what happens in the criminal case. It's a route some others have taken successfully after high-profile criminal cases.

The housekeeper's credibility would be a significant issue in any court case. But experts say different legal standards for civil and criminal cases could give her claims a greater chance of prevailing in civil court.

Strauss-Kahn has denied the attempted rape and other charges. Meanwhile, prosecutors are still weighing whether to pursue the case.

(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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