Protecting Alleged Child Sex Offenders From Unreliable Testimony

When a child is an alleged victim of sexual abuse by an older child, emotions run high and an innate desire to immediately help both the alleged victim and alleged offender. Ohio law requires medical professionals and many other professionals and state licensees to report alleged sexual abuse to children's services.  At this point, a case is opened and a forensic interview is conducted of the child-victim. 

Sexual abuse investigations of child victims trigger a series of unresolved and murky legal issues.  These interviews can be highly reliable and accurate reports of what actually transpired; however, they can also generate more questions than have been answered.  Defense lawyers will certainly want to inquire as to the validity of the forensic interview, the technique or method used, whether or not the interview was recorded, and who was present.  Also, issues as to the confidentiality of this interview will arise. 

As a result of the Adam Walsh Act and the significant registration requirements now in effect in Ohio, it is incumbent upon every lawyer asked to represent an alleged child sex offender is that the power of the state not go unchecked.  The appropriate and fair disposition of juvenile sex offender cases is of paramount importance.  However, there is one goal superior to that -- protecting innocent teens from aggressive prosecutions based upon explosive and potentially unreliable "expert" opinion testimony.

Just as children need to be protected from physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, so to should the alleged child offender who is facing a lifetime record and possible registration for many years.

If you or someone you know has a child who is under investigation for an alleged sex offense against another child, you may contact Attorney Brad Koffel directly at 614-481-7215 to discuss the matter privately.