Lewd & Lascivious Behavior With A 14 y/o Or Younger
January 29th 2007 12:53
Many of the clients I see have their faces plastered on the computer screen under the Megans' Law protocols. With their face and address is also the descriptor of the crime: Lewd and lascivious behavior with a 14y/o or younger. There are benefits, as well as 'downside', to this form of public exposure.
One fellow I have seen for over a year has proclaimed from the start that he did not do it. He did not use 'authority-based coercion' to have his way with that 13 year old daughter of his neighbor. The system does not believe such proclamations. Nor do I.
Typically.
This fellows' story has remained consistent from the start. I recall back during the intake that it was a well spun tale, and had an air of credibility to it. Yet, criminals are good at that. And sex offending criminals? To hell and back with him!
Being caught up in the Megans' Law movement, he has had people recognize him and toss slurs and epitaphs in his direction. Physical harm has thus far eluded him. He has had to move from his home as it is too close to an elementary school. And, he has to seek permission from his probation officer if he is to visit his young nieces or nephews.
He has recently shared, in group therapy, that there are new developments. Certain people are willing now to make statements that will exonerate him. His hopes are high, and he expects that his life wil change for the better within several months.
I, with my therapist poker face, smile and let him know that I too will wait patiently for whatever it is that unfolds. At this point, my gut says he is likely innocent. His story has been consistent to a tee throughout our time together. It shall be interesting.
Yet, will his life ever be the same?
Given the heinous nature of sexual crimes, and crimes perpetrated upon children, is it best to err in the name of obtaining a conviction even if in the end the conviction was wrong? How many others may be wrongly accused yet suffer the shame and punishment of something for which the collective needs a scapegoat?
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN WRONGFULLY ACCUSED?
deorre
One fellow I have seen for over a year has proclaimed from the start that he did not do it. He did not use 'authority-based coercion' to have his way with that 13 year old daughter of his neighbor. The system does not believe such proclamations. Nor do I.
Typically.
This fellows' story has remained consistent from the start. I recall back during the intake that it was a well spun tale, and had an air of credibility to it. Yet, criminals are good at that. And sex offending criminals? To hell and back with him!
Being caught up in the Megans' Law movement, he has had people recognize him and toss slurs and epitaphs in his direction. Physical harm has thus far eluded him. He has had to move from his home as it is too close to an elementary school. And, he has to seek permission from his probation officer if he is to visit his young nieces or nephews.
He has recently shared, in group therapy, that there are new developments. Certain people are willing now to make statements that will exonerate him. His hopes are high, and he expects that his life wil change for the better within several months.
I, with my therapist poker face, smile and let him know that I too will wait patiently for whatever it is that unfolds. At this point, my gut says he is likely innocent. His story has been consistent to a tee throughout our time together. It shall be interesting.
Yet, will his life ever be the same?
Given the heinous nature of sexual crimes, and crimes perpetrated upon children, is it best to err in the name of obtaining a conviction even if in the end the conviction was wrong? How many others may be wrongly accused yet suffer the shame and punishment of something for which the collective needs a scapegoat?
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN WRONGFULLY ACCUSED?
deorre
| 74 |
| Vote |
Comments (7)
Add Comments
Read More
