Legal Question in Criminal Law in California
Child molestation
When my sister passed away, about a year ago, I re-established ties with my 4 nieces. During our correspondece, I learned that the three who were not the natural children of my sisters husband, had been molested, and sexually abused by him for years. They are now in their forties, but I can see that they are still suffering from the effects of the abuse. They seem to feel that there is nothing they can do, as it happened so long ago. I'm hoping that they are wrong, for I know that child molesters only quit when they are either in prison, or dead. Any advice you can render will be most appreciated.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Child molestation
Yes - there is something you can do. Report the crime to the police or sheriff, and let them investigate. The criminal statute of limitation on child molestation is very long in California. And there are circumstances that may extend it. I could look it up and then tell you. But what if I get it wrong and you don't report it. It is better to report the crime and let the authorities do a full investigation.
The single most important thing about the law is that the out come turns on the facts. Give me a set of facts and I can discuss the law as it involves those facts. And then tell you what I think the outcome will be. And then you change one (even minor ) fact and my opinion of the outcome changes.
There is also a possibility that during the investigation new facts may be brought out that will point to new victims. So you might be saving some child today from being molested.
There is also civil recovery from the step-father. Again the civil statute of limitations is very long on child molestation cases.
This must be reported to the police or sheriff, and nvestigated.
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