Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

Sexual abuse as a child

My adopted father sexually abused my from when I was age 7 to 14. I never said anything and as I got older, eventually I think I just forgot, or learned how to pretend it didn't happen. I've recently been remembering more and more and I'm curious what my legal rights are. I'm not sure that I want to, but could I do anything legally? Also, he has a prior conviction for lewd acts towards my half sister when she was 15. He was sentenced to 10 years probation (during which time I still lived with him and and my mother). I've also heard that there were accusations made against him before he married my mother. I live in Florida.


Asked on 2/23/09, 9:08 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Hunter Chamberlin Chamberlin Butler & Crowe, P.A.

Re: Sexual abuse as a child

I am sorry about your situation.

You can always go to the police department or the State Attorneys office and file a complaint. Many of these types of cases involve what is called "delayed disclosure" and there is often a very good explanation as to why the delay. Although the delay makes the case more difficult to prove, it does not make it impossible.

Good luck.

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Answered on 2/24/09, 6:50 pm


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