Child sexual abuse case?

Question

I know someone who is a victim of a one-time abuse by her grandfather (he allegedly went behind her underwear and fondled her). there is no real evidence in this case and he has an otherwise clean record. we are hoping he will get jail time (this is in texas). is it common for someone to get jail time in this kind of situation, with no evidence? anyone know what a likely sentence is? does texas law assume the child is telling the truth? any help is appreciated.

Answer 1

There may be a 2 yr statute of limitations to prosecute.  Check with the District Attorney.  If the child can testify as a credible witness, then it is possible to do something about it by her word.  I would suggest that you speak with some experts in such matters, such as Social Services, a Child Psychologist or perhaps the District Attorney to see if you should proceed.  If this man has done it with her, he may have done it before, and it may be a "family matter" according to her family structure, so she may NOT be the first child injured in this manner.  Familys have been known to carry this tendency and get away with it.  So, there may be some "fallout" from any form of legality that is done about this.  It may be that if this grandfather, if he had any daughters or is the father of this young girl's mother, he may have molested the girls mother or aunts.

It needs to be stopped; it needs to be documented; it needs to be addressed so that the NEXT generation isn't subjected to this sickness.

082608  8:58

Answer 2

I guess they would give him a jail time without evidence. It's messed up to abuse a child in any way.

Answer 3

If he is convicted, then he will get jail time. However, to convict him on no evidence other than the child's say so will be difficult. First of all the child will have to testify. Next the child will have to be examined by psychologists on both the defense and people's side. Her testimony will be questioned and she will probably be accused of being coached.

Answer 4

you see with out any evidence it would have been best for the child to have a medical examination at the beginning because there might have been evidence. however, this case would be more of her word against his. but because these cases are more common that the child was 8 being at an age where the secret would be more likely to be kept until she reached an older age... could hold a chance of punishment. as far as jail time...that would be a bit harder.

Answer 5

In most of these cases, they put the child first. Especially if the child is willing to testify and claim that the grandfather did do this to her.

You should certinally report it. Even if their is a chance of putting someone like that behind bars, you should do it.

The average prison(Prison is different from jail. Jail is simply a holding center where someone serves either a short sentence, or awaits their trial) time for someone who commits such an act is around 30 years (However that is for raping a child. Molesting  I believe is less than that)

Considering it is a first offense, sadly he probably will not undergo castration.

Under Meghan's law, after they release him, the community will be notified about him.

Best of Luck, hope he gets put behind bars