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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
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Comment by Cibbuano

January 29th 2007 21:23
A person's life can easily be destroyed by accusations... and while the justice system should protect children, I think it's important to remember that people are innocent until proven guilty... right?


Comment by Damo

January 29th 2007 22:26
I do know of one case of false accusation that went through the courts and found the person not guiltly. All evidence that came out pointed to the parents making a false accusation to satisfy some kind of resentment. 4 years and $40,000 later the man is innocent of the crime. No appologies, no financial compensation, no puplic declarations to say that he was falsely accused.
Yes the nature of the crime creates fear to the point that people cannot think.

Even to be accused is enough to create a state of panic and guilt by association. As if the accusation is proof itself.

Comment by Deorre

January 29th 2007 22:41
Innocent until proven guilty is a nice phrase, yet takes on a whole new air in the world of sex crimes. Now, I am not an advocate for sex offenders by any stretch. I have, though, seen that blanket generalizations sweep many up who may be better served if they were not prejudged.

Comment by Damo

January 29th 2007 22:59
Tough Job
Not for everyone
Too many temptations to strangle some of these offenders.
Protecting children is of primary importance.

Comment by Stanley

January 30th 2007 06:03
interesting read. i was just curious in regards to the confidentiality guidelines you work with? just my legal mind at work i know it sucks sometimes and my friends will tell you the same things hahaha

Comment by Deorre

January 30th 2007 13:48
Absolutely paramount to protect the children. The danger, of course, is sweeping generalizations and stereotypes that then begin to victimize possibly innocent 'perps'.

Comment by Deorre

January 30th 2007 13:50
I must certainly be careful, Stanley, as these are very delicate and touchy issues. I write such things quite anecdotally, using cautions not to disclose too much.

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