Legal Question in Military Law in Germany

Child abuse?

My son is in the Army stationed in Germany. He is married and has 2 small children. A toddler and an infant. The infant was born Dec 3rd. 2 1/2 weeks later she has a fractured leg. Army C I D cot in volved. After the investagation it was ruled an accedent. Not the infant is back in the hospital with mutiple fractures of the ribs and fractured colar bone. I don't know what is going on. Now I want to get involed because child abuse is obvious, but I don't know what is going on. My question is worse case what can happen to my son and his army career


Asked on 2/09/09, 6:33 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Anthony DeWitt Bartimus, Frickleton Robertson & Gorny, PC

Re: Child abuse?

Sometimes there are explanations for injuries that do not involve child abuse. For example, if the child had a congenital problem with calcium he/she might have pathologic fractures that occur in the absence of abuse.

If there is abuse it is likely that your son will be prosecuted if he abused the child and that the child will be placed in protective custody. The mother will be questioned and if she failed to protect the child she could be prosecuted. If the abuse occurred off post, German authorities might be involved in the prosecution.

You should probably notify your son's chain of command that you are willing to assume custody until the investigation is complete as that would be far better for your grandchild than foster care.

Good luck.

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Answered on 2/10/09, 9:25 am


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