Trial

Trial and Pre-trial Services

Trial Preparation

Review and assess records or reports in alleged child abuse cases by social services, psychologists, medical professionals, and police

Review and assess the interrogation techniques used by the State

Assist in the construction of an overall defense strategy

Assist the attorney with incorporating the relevant data/research

Interview and prepare defense witnesses for testifying

Evaluate the case with various national experts in child abuse identification and assessment as well as in coerced confessions, DNA evidence, computer forensics, etc.

Recommend experts for testifying or making reports

Assess plea-bargain offers in practical terms

Trial:

Assis attorneys with voir dire

Assess jurors during voir dire and recommend challenges

Offer attorney assistance developing cross-examination questions of opposing child abuse experts

Recommend alternate strategies during trial if part of the pre-plan strategy is failing due to the unexpected or additional doors are opened by failure of part of the prosecution’s plan

Depositions

Assist attorneys in constructing suggested deposition questions for the alleged victim(s), alleged witnesses, social workers, police, medical professionals, psychologists, and experts in child abuse for the State and the defense

Assist during deposition in providing follow-up questions based on the answers given to questions

Basic Facts about Defending Child Abuse Allegations

The large majority of child sexual abuse allegations involve alleged victims who have “normal” medical examinations.

Contrary to common myth, a person can be convicted of child abuse solely on the word or testimony of the alleged victim, even if the alleged victim’s testimony is inconsistent and/or contradictory.

An aggressive defense strategy is imperative in child abuse cases. One of the most unique obstacles in child abuses cases is that you must actually prove that you did not commit the abuse rather than rely on the State not being able to prove that you did.

Court evidentiary rules have been relaxed on behalf of alleged child abuse victims, thus making it easier to convict the accused.

Contrary to common myth, defense lawyers are not allowed to “beat-up” or badger alleged child abuse victims when they testify on the stand.

Contrary to common myth, defense lawyers are not generally allowed to question an alleged child abuse victim about their sexual history due to the rape shield law.