Legal Question in Criminal Law in Pennsylvania

juvenile accusations

I am having accusations made against me by clients from a juvenile detention facility that I use to work at. These are false allegations and the institution itself is pushing these accusations through the Department of Welfare. These said allegations are about providing alcohol and/or tobacco to minors. According to the allegations these things were distributed over three months ago when I was still working at the facility and I have not been working there for exactly two months. I am concerned, because the allegations concern a minor, if pure testimony from a juvenile is enough for them to try and press charges or convict me on those grounds alone. This could also affect my ability to ever work with children again. I want to fight these charges but am unfamiliar with the grounds of cases concerning the Department of Public Welfare and the protection of juveniles. What is the likelihood of me being charged or being convicted of something like this based on a child�s word? And what routes can i take to protect myself?


Asked on 3/06/06, 10:20 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jay Hochberg

Re: juvenile accusations

The testimony of a witness is direct evidence, and can, if the fact-finder believes that evidence beyond a reasonable doubt, form the basis for a conviction. Without knowing the details of the allegations and investigating their source, it is impossible to predict whether a prosecutor might charge you or how strong/weak a case (s)he might have. If you are charged, speak to no one and retain a criminal defense attorney immediately.

Read more
Answered on 3/07/06, 1:00 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in Pennsylvania