Child Molestation

Child molestation is an extremely serious criminal charge, and that it is tragically prone to false convictions.   It is defined as sexual contact with a minor.  The seriousness of the charge is based on the age of the alleged victim.  Child molestation charges can spring out of any relationship with a child, however innocent.   People most often charged with child molestation include parents, teachers, coaches, scoutmasters, family friends, family members, and religious leaders.  A conviction for child molestation means that you will be required to register as a sex offender, you could lose your job and your family, and you will likely face a prison sentence.  It is vital that you get the right criminal defense attorney to defend you, whether you are being investigated for child molestation of have been charged with child molestation.

Issues in a Child Molestation Defense

Child molestation cases are prone to false convictions.  This is due to a combination of factors.

• A child molestation charge can spring from a false accusation.  Sometimes an ex-spouse or ex-partner will use a child molestation charge as leverage in a custody battle.  In other cases, false accusations can arise if you had a falling out or a serious dispute with the child’s parents.
• Children are sometimes unreliable witnesses.  The police are supposed to follow certain guidelines for questioning child witnesses, because it is very easy to suggest an answer to a child.  Nonetheless, these guidelines are not always followed.  Additionally, children can become confused or frightened, and as a result will sometimes just tell an adult whatever they think the adult wants to hear.
• The prosecution may rely on medical evidence that is unreliable or uses outdated technology.
• The prosecution may rely on witnesses whose testimony is little more than speculation that “something was going on.”

A child molestation case requires a tough criminal defense lawyer that is ready to challenge all of the evidence against.  In each of those examples, the evidence can be successfully challenged.  Your lawyer must be ready and willing to find experts who can provide counter-evidence, to do a thorough investigation of all the facts, and to mount a tough aggressive defense on your behalf.

When It Looks Bad

An arrest or investigation for child molestation is a life changing event.  Even if you know that you are guilty, you worry that the case looks bad.  Usually it does, but that is because only the prosecution has been in charge.  The police and prosecution get the criminal case started and they bombard you with questions, accusations, and scare tactics.   When you hire the Law Office of David H. Fuller, the case starts to look better, because your criminal defense attorney starts to fight the prosecution’s case and to find the evidence that helps you.

Some people want to plead guilty, sometimes because they are guilty and sometimes because they want the case to be over.  This is normal, but do not give up too soon.  The charges against may not stand.  If you do want to plead guilty, it is important to work with your criminal defense lawyer to find the right time and to make sure that you get the right treatment from the prosecution.  There are treatment options available and there are sentencing alternatives.