Legal Question in Criminal Law in Missouri

Brother in-law arrested for Child Molestation

My Brother-in law was arrested fro suspicion of child molestation of his nieces. He was turned in by family members we don't associate with and feel that these kids were coerced by this relative to say these things. They were 3 and four at the time. Another reason we feel like this is bogus is because the time line for this to have happened it would have been impossible for what the girls said happened to have transpired . The girls have even stated that what they said before to the state child psychologist was what their grandma 'told' them to say. They have been interviewed by another psychologist and we were told that from his point of view that it most likely didn't happen. They weren't showing the mental trauma that would be present in this type of situation. There is supposed to be an videotape of this interview with the state psychologist but no one has seen it. The prosecution is keeping it under wraps. I would think that it would be part of discovery and that they would be forced to turn it over so that a proper defense could be planned . Our largest problem has been finding an lawyer that we can afford and someone that will be aggressive enough to fight for him. We need help we can afford, not bankrupt us.


Asked on 12/27/06, 11:10 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Anthony Smith LawSmith

Re: Brother in-law arrested for Child Molestation

Your brother-in-law's situation is more common then it should be. I do not know what if anything he did to the children, nor do I know what he is accused of having done. Hopefully they are in foster care right now.

I do not know what county this case is in. Some investigators (and presecutors)try to hold onto the video tapes of the interview(s) as long as possible.

If he is prosecuted criminally his lawyer will have access to the transcript of the interview and will be able to view the tape. They are not likely to release the tape to anyone else. There are provacy issues that are too complicated to explain at this time.

Without knowing what he has been accused of, or what county this case is in, it is very tough to refer you to counsel or state range that representation will cost. If he is prosecuted criminally, he may qualify for appointed counsel.

Good Luck

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Answered on 12/28/06, 3:49 pm


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