Austin Criminal Attorney: Sexual abuse

Sabtu, 26 Februari 2011

Attorney Andy Nolen: Safe Juvenile Detention

Image via WikipediaMAINTAINING SAFE ENVIRONMENTS FOR YOUTH

The Children’s Code recognizes Probation and Parole Officers as "teaching or child care providers": "…any person who provides training and supervision of a child, including any…Social Worker, Probation and Parole Officer, foster home parent, group home or other child care facility staff member, personnel of residential home facilities…" Such a "teaching or child care providers" are "mandatory reporters" as defined in Ch. C. Art. 603(13) (d).

Ch. C. Art. 610 requires that mandatory reporters immediately report to the local child protection unit of DSS (Department of Social Services) and/or local law enforcement if he/she has cause to believe that a child’s physical or mental health or welfare is endangered as a result of abuse or neglect or that abuse or neglect was a contributing factor in a child’s death. Youth Services Policy C.4.3 contains these same requirements.

Failure to follow the mandatory reporting law can result in one being found guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine, being imprisoned, or both. A mandatory reporter is guilty if he/she:

fails to report the suspected abuse
obstructs the procedures for receiving and investigating reports of child abuse or neglect or sexual abuse
discloses without authorization confidential information about or contained within such reports
falsely makes such a report.

Harris County Criminal Defense Attorney Andy Nolen has over 19 years experience representing persons accused of committing criminal violations of State and Federal law.

Houston, Texas Criminal Attorney Andy Nolen treats every person they represent as if they were a friend and neighbor. When you call, likely Andy Nolen will answer your call himself. You will be dealing with Attorneys, not secretaries, assistants, or answering machines.

If we can be of any assistance, or you just want to talk about your situation, please call Texas Criminal Defense Attorney Andy Nolen at 713-697-4373.

Rabu, 07 April 2010

Attorney Andy Nolen: Child Molestation Defense Lawyer

Visitors entrance to the Utah State Prison in ...

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Child molestation is any energy and activity where an adult or older adolescent uses a child for sexual stimulation. There are many different situations and topics and instances that can fall under this title. The molestation of a child is considered a very sedate and serious crime and is often punished with jail time, fines, and lengthy probation. Often those convicted of molesting a child are required to register as a sex offender, making housing and job searches challenging.
Child molestation is not the same as sexual assault. It mostly applies to children under the age of 14 but can be broadened to apply to all minors. Also, it usually does not take consent into consideration. Because children under the age of 14 are not legally able to give consent to participate in sexual designs and activities their consent usually cannot be held up in court. This policy is also influenced by the fact that in many child molestation cases the adult was in a position of place and power in the child’s life, which could influence the child’s consent.

What qualifies as child molestation

It has been estimated that one in ten boys and one in five girls will experience some form of sexual molestation by the time they reach the age of 14. Most victims of sexual abuse are abused by someone they know, be it a family member or family acquaintance. There are a number of situations that can be described and classified as the molestation of a child. These include:
groping, touching, or lewdly interacting with a minor
having any form of sexual contact with a child under the age of 14
touching a child in a manner that could be described and classified as lascivious or lewd
using a position of influence or place and power to coerce a child into performing sexual acts
using inappropriate or sexually pregnant and suggestive language towards or around a minor
any of the above situations and designs and activities can qualify as child molestation. They can swoop and range in plainness and severity, but all are punishable by the law.

For more information

Sex crimes against a child are considered some of the most sedate and serious crimes that can be committed. Those who are convicted of molesting a child face years in prison, probation, and long term animosity from peers and neighbors. That is why it is so important to know your rights if you are facing this sedate and serious charge.