Posted on 06/14/2010 1:19:25 PM PDT by hoagy62
Repeat guys,,, he needs to at least speak to an Attorney. Statute of limitations can be like a marital prenup. There are some things that can stop it in some states.
And though he would likely win such an old case, (after great expense and heartache) the stakes are still sky high. Lets say for example,,, your DA is a guy like Mike Nifong. Lets say he/she starts an investigation,,,
The friend needs to clam up and at least talk to a lawyer in his state. It could be the best 200 bucks he ever spends.
I agree, he should skip the reunion. Make up any excuse. Just unable to go. I would not hire a lawyer at this time. Maybe track down one or two so that if anything would come of this, he would have one to contact, but it seems pretty unlikely it will go anywhere. Good luck to your friend to get past this mess.
I knew that. Just being a smart ass.
I cannot provide any advice but since you only asked for opinions...
I would not attend the reunion. No way. He should be prepared for some sort of a litigation...civil action rather than criminal given the circumstances. This may wind up being no more than an attempt to besmirch his name in court papers since no criminal action is possible at this late date. But anyone can file suit against anyone. This is a tactic unto itself and if he is not certain of this woman's resources, she may have the wherewithall to file a suit to simply make his life hell. Forwarned is fore-armed.
And they “prove” it by taking a case to grand jury,, and indicting you. (Using his apology as proof he did “something”)
And im not talking civil, where a threatening lawyer letter might shut her up, im talking criminal. If this crazy woman believes it happened, and gets a feminazi-type or Nifong-type DA to listen to her,,,, he could be in over his head fast. Def worth a lawyer visit. He’s almost sure to avoid a conviction,, but how he acts now could decide if that is nearly free, or costs him 75,000 bucks.
Little things matter here for him.
I’ll add my concurrence with the advice that your friend should speak with an attorney.
People have been known to hurl accusations of child molestation that are not true. My cousin was going through a nasty divorce. One day, he was pulled out of a client meeting by police officers. The wife, not happy with the proposed financial settlement, accused him of molesting their son. The charges were unfounded; she couldn’t prove them; so the case was dismissed.
My cousin,a practicing attorney, thought he could handle the divorce all by himself. He was wrong. Had he consulted with another attorney, things might have gone a lot better and he would not have had to face these unfounded charges. So yes, your friend should seek some counsel at least to find out what the law is and what his options are.
“since no criminal action is possible at this late date”
I’ll say again,, it could be possible, depends on the state and the circumstances. It’s unlikely, but by no means impossible. More than a few people have been prosecuted LONG after the fact, repressed memories, etc.
“had been a Christian for over 20 years” What would that have to do with anything?
Bump!
I've read that some states have changed their statute of limitations laws in cases like this.
“make me wish I was a liberal”
You probably never belonged on this site anyway, HUFF PO will enjoy your company, good riddance, noob.
Yes, but probably only in the last 8-10 years, and they would not apply to cases prior to their passage. Prohibitions on ex post facto laws should apply.
Some states have extened or eliminated the statute of limitations on child molestation. Also, civil and criminal limitations can vary. I would contact a lawyer and find out for sure before resting easy.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.