How Late is too late for a Sex Offender to be accused and forced .....?

Question

TO REGISTER!.Obviously its late to prosecute I guess....
My cousin was molested by her stepfather when she was 7yrs old. Now she is 23. She has received psychotherapy for about 2 years, and decided it would only be fair for the pervert to be listed as a perpitrator. Is it to late and old news??or can somthing still be done. Her younger brothers under 18 still live at home with the perpitrator, however, that is there father.My aunt (mother)took the perpitrators side. My cousin only has me and grandparents for support.

Answer 1

with sex crimes check the jurisdiction you are in, sometimes there is no limit on how long ago the crime occurred for prosecution to be possible. from a legal standpoint, unless he is proven guilty in a court of law for sex crimes - esp involving a minor, he most likely will not be required to register. I suggest talking with your local law enforcement agency.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

A person can’t be required to register as a sex offender if they haven’t been *convicted* of a sex offense.

She can report it. There are states where the statute of limitations doesn’t begin to run until the victim turns 18 (or the crime is reported, whichever one occurs first). But, does she have any evidence? It’s awfully hard to get a conviction in a case with no evidence, especially for a crime that occurred 16 years ago. Without evidence, it’s very likely the DA won’t even take the case. So just be aware of that.

Answer 4

The elapsed time for immunity is dependent on where you live.

Certainly you should talk to a prosecutor in your area about possible prosecution. If your cousin is willing to testify you might still have a case. At a minimum, you may be able to get the stepfather listed as an offender.

Regardless, you need to investigate what options you have in your community... a possible sex offender needs to be pursued. I don't want to sound judgmental, but an investigation, if possible and legal should be performed, and if possible, any guilty party should be detained and registered.

-dh

Answer 5

The statute of limitations for sexual offences is seven years. He cannot be forced to register is he is not convicted. If he is still doing it, you may be able to help in a current investigation if your Cousin is willing to testify. Other than that, all you can do is use a civil case to bring the actions to the light of day and let everyone know what he did, but it cannot result in him being put on the list.

Answer 6

There might be a statue of limitation but there a chance it may be reported. But before proceeding It might be a good idea to consult with local criminal prosecutor about the statue of limitation. The offender might be still be molesting others, so he may still be charged for the current offense if not for the old offense.

Answer 7

Look up the state laws where you live. Why all of a sudden does she want to report him, she should have done that years ago, But if he is really a child molester then I say, beat the **** outa him, then turn him in.

Answer 8

I would talk to a lawyer about this. I would think that because she was so young at the time they would say that something could still be done about this. Of course.....she will have to relive every disgusting and hurtful memory. She must be prepared to discuss this subject with strangers and REMEMBER what she is probably trying to forget. Best of luck to her.

Answer 9

Look into the statute of limitations in your state for they may be different. There amy be a chance that he can be brought to justice because he molested her when she was a minor and there are still minors living with him. She should at least look into it... because that man is a monster plain and simple... and she should do everything she can to bring him to justice. But... that all depends on state laws... so look into yours for sure.

Best of luck... and bless you for being there for her.

Answer 10

the mandatory "life predator" requirement was not in effect 14 years ago. Normally- a "step-father" won't molest the son. It is a different bag of worms. Let her live her own life=stay out of it.