Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland
Rape and social services won't do anything
My minor child recently claimed rape by an extended family member from five years ago. This family member is now overseas. Social services conducted a brief investigation lasting only a few days and closed their investigation, claiming to not have found evidence to substantiate the claim. I feel this matter should be pursued further. Should/can I retain a lawyer, other than the prosecutor, who will work in my child's interests? Is there a service to help me pay for this since we are low-income? Thank you in advance.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Rape and social services won't do anything
There is nothing you can do outside the prosecutorial system to bring criminal charges--it's totally within the discretion of the state's attorney. You could bring a civil action on behalf of your child against the family member, but without better evidence it would be difficult to succeed, and then you have to consider whether the family member has the financial resources to pay damages even if they are awarded.
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