Legal Question in Criminal Law in Texas

If when I was 9 years old (27 yrs ago), my mother called my fathers doctor because she suspected sexual abuse, the doctor contacted CPS, a case was opened, CPS investigated, every one was interviewed, including my two younger sisters (then 3 and 1) (they say nothing ever happened to them)my father on his own decided to seek proffessional help from a licensened phyciatrist, CPS said he had to continue to recieve counseling for a year, which he did, and then CPS dismissed the case (or closed it because he met their qualifications), is there anything I can do about it now. I am 36 years old. I think the abuse may have continued, but I am not sure. I did not know at the time that he was my step father, he adopted me at 2 and I was never told. I only recently found out about the adoption. From what I have read, I would have had to do something about it by the time I was 28. I am assuming and understanding from what I have read, because I am past 28 years old, and because CPS investigated and either dismissed or closed the case becasue he met all of their qualifacations, there is nothing I can do now. Is this correct?


Asked on 7/27/12, 12:11 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
TC Langford Langford Law Office

It depends. There are certain circumstances where there is NO statute of limitations in a case of sexual assault, particularly Penal Code 21.02 continuous assault of a child. You should consider talking with a detective at your local PD, or an investigator with the district attorney's office as they would have access to these old files to make a better determination.

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Answered on 7/30/12, 3:26 pm


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