Legal Question in Criminal Law in Iowa

Can I let the authorities know?

7 or so years ago a child reported sexual abuse by her step brother. She was 11 at the time and got scared when the police started questioning her so she didn't tell them everything he had done to her. He was convicted with 2 counts of child sexual abuse, one for her and one on another child. Now, he is charged with 2nd degree sexual abuse on a minor but not convicted of molesting another child. The girl has read the allegations by this child and it is very close to what he had done to her as a child. She would like to tell the authorities and lawyers what she knows however doesn't know if she could get in trouble for not telling everything as a child. The same investigator that investigated the girls charges is investgating this cuurent childs allegations. The step brother plans to take it to trial and fight it because of the 3 strikes law. Pre-trial is in Jan 2005, trial is in Feb 2005. What rights does she have and what can she do to get this man stopped for good??


Asked on 12/16/04, 3:27 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Luedeman solo practitioner

Re: Can I let the authorities know?

Well, you can and it would be informative to the prosecution but it probably could not be used as evidence in the pending trial because generally evidence of prior bad acts is inadmissible. I do not see how she could be punsihed for it, and whatever she has to say about his prior bad acts would be relevant in the sentencing phase should this person be convicted.

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Answered on 12/16/04, 4:52 pm


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