Murrieta, CA asked in Criminal Law and Sexual Harassment for California

Q: Falsely accused of Sexual Harassment as well as Molesting a Minor!!!

Hello,

A family member of mine is being falsely accused of Sexual Harassment as well as the Molestation of a minor, who has been a legal adult for several years now. It is, without a doubt, a false allegation because these people that are accusing him have been trying to harm my family for quite some time. They've even said they are at an all-time low in their lives and that, even if they face jail time for this, they'd be willing to file a lawsuit against him. Because, according to them, they are at the lowest point in their lives and any move they make would be "up" for them. There is no proof on either side to make a solid case as to why one may be innocent or guilty. I am reaching out to you in the hopes of taking the proper legal action. I also was hoping to learn of your experience with this kind of case as well as what legal punishment the victim may face if he loses the case. I may need to hire a lawyer. But I first need to gather enough information.

2 Lawyer Answers
Neil Pedersen
Neil Pedersen
Answered
  • Westminster, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: This is far too serious to be dealt with on a short answer internet Q&A site. Your family member needs a specific, confidential consultation. First and foremost he or she needs to consult with a criminal defense attorney because the accusation is a serious crime. You and this person need to post nothing to the internet about this. You and this person should speak to no one about this unless and until the accused has spoken with a criminal defense attorney. You are not an attorney and should not get involved in gathering information or vetting attorneys. Unless the accused in a minor or a disabled person under your care, you need to be sure to let the accused and the attorneys speak and you need to stay out of it.

Good luck to you.

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
Answered
  • Newport Beach, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: First, the accused needs to be contacting a good attorney before any criminal charges are filed, look for Criminal Law practitioners in your area here or elsewhere on the net. Next, do not post any details, you have already said too much on this post and some of it can harm you. Remember, with criminal law- "anything you say can and WILL be held against you." including things posted by people you talked to about the situation. Congratulations, you just made yourself a witness. Last, if convicted of child molestation, the punishment is severe and lasts a lifetime, you are identified as a child molester, and have to register for the rest of your life. If imprisoned, inmates do not like child molesters and they have a hard time being mistreated while incarcerated. I agree with everything Mr. Pedersen said as well.

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