Bridgeport, CT asked in Criminal Law for Connecticut

Q: I'm being fasley accused by minor

Said minor came clean afther lieing to three different people that I had touched her to her School to cops to family dcf keep continuing their investigation my name has yet to be cleared even tho said minor has come clean stating that I never touched her and that she lied

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3 Lawyer Answers
Joseph Maya
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Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Westport, CT
  • Licensed in Connecticut

A: A charge of sexual molestation or unwanted sexual contact of any kind is perhaps one of the most damaging criminal allegations in our legal system, not just because of the weight of the charge and the potential penalties, but also because of the stigma associated with the mere hint of an allegation, even if the subject of that charge is ultimately cleared from any wrongdoing.

Your situation sounds like the complaining witness has retracted his or her story, and yet the Department of Children and Families continues to investigate. There are different standards and burdens between the criminal justice system and the analysis (by DCF) as to whether a child was “abused or neglected” by a parent or another person in a position of trust. If you have not been arrested and if no criminal case is imminent (or even if it is), you would be best served by immediately consulting with an attorney to examine the evidence collected in the DCF investigation, especially that material that may have been shared as part of a criminal case. This evidence may include recordings of interviews, victim statements, telephone interviews, and/or discussions with collateral sources, such as school employees or therapists.

While it is impossible to give legal advice here – even with the limited information you have provided – we suggest you speak confidentially (and immediately) with an attorney who regularly handles DCF and criminal investigations of this kind.

Allan F. Friedman
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Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Stamford, CT
  • Licensed in Connecticut

A: I think in order to answer your question I would need more details. It seems that you are saying that the criminal investigation was dropped after the victim "came clean." Yet DCF will investigate the minor's situation as obviously the fact that the minor is making false criminal allegations are very disturbing and may be a reflection on the minor's parent's actions or the living situation of the minor. I would advise that you have a consultation with a criminal defense lawyer before you answer any questions from DCF

Anthony M. Avery
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Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Knoxville, TN

A: It is probably time for a new phone and number.

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