Legal Question in Criminal Law in Minnesota

sexual conduct juvenile

14 yr old boy was accused of innapropriate touch to 5yr old cousin while spending the night at grandmas.

5 yr old has had problems in the past from teachers, daycare and drs about different ''sexual'' and made up stories. Mom called to tell dr about this story. Dr reported, and 5yr old was qustioned and taped by social services. 14 yr old was investegated.

Letter from county attorney said: Petition denied based on significant problems with alleged victims credibility. 14 yr old demeanor was credible. Although there were inconsistencys in the 14 yr old testemony, there was not proof beyond doubt. Is this over?


Asked on 1/20/04, 4:19 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Thomas C. Gallagher Gallagher Criminal Defense

Re: sexual conduct juvenile

Based upon your account, it sounds like the County Attorney's Office declined to prosecute based upon the information they had available. It seems unlikely that they would change their mind on their decision to decline prosecution, unless they get new information or new allegations are made. Still, with the past investigation, the 14 year old involved would be well advised to avoid seeing the five year old cousin, to avoid unsupervised contact with people younger than him, and otherwise take precautions to prevent opportunities for similar allegations to be made against him in the future. This is especially true for the next few years.

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Answered on 1/20/04, 6:13 pm


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