Child Molestation

Seattle, Washington Child Molestation Attorneys

Research has shown children - especially toddlers - are highly suggestible. In child molestation cases, investigators and child specialists have to be extremely careful to walk a thin line between learning what happened and suggesting what happened. Medical professionals can disagree over whether or not an injury or scar tissue is evidence that sexual molestation occurred.

Even if an injury is deemed sexual in nature, there may be no way to determine when it occurred and who caused it. At the law office of Rhodes & Meryhew, our lawyers consult child psychologists, medical professionals, false memory syndrome experts, and professionals in child interview techniques to defend people accused of child molestation. We defend daycare workers, pastors, teachers, coaches, and parents accused of child molestation.

Regardless whether you've been arrested or are under investigation, we have the experience and expert-witness resources needed to defend you against charges of child molestation. To schedule an appointment, contact child molestation attorneys at Rhodes & Meryhew today.

The Impact of Allegations of Child Abuse

Child molestation charges can quickly complicate a person's life if he or she doesn't have legal representation. Once allegations are made, Child Protective Services will be notified and will remove a child from his or her home - even if the suspected offender is already removed from the home. Bail may be set high, making it difficult or impossible to post bail and get out of jail without taking time off work. If you work with, or around children, you may be forced to take leave with or without pay. If the media learns of the allegations against you, your name and "mug shot" could appear on the news or in the newspaper.

Challenging Allegations of Child Molestation

While every case is different, most child molestation cases depend on what a child claims happened to him or her. In the state of Washington, The Harborview Guide is the standard manual law enforcement officers and examiners use in questioning children. It is supposed to help authorities avoid asking leading questions of children in sex crimes cases. Our attorneys work with experts expose mistakes and leading questions on the part of examiners who claim to follow the Harborview manual.

When medical evidence of molestation is presented, we consult medical experts in reviewing the articles and books written by the prosecution's medical expert witnesses. During cross-examination, we point to what the prosecution's own medical expert witness has written that contradicts the claims he or she is making on the stand. We expose inconsistencies and contradictions that undermine the authority of the prosecution's expert medical witnesses.

Contact Sex Crimes Defense Attorneys

If you've been arrested on charges of child molestation, it's essential to begin the process of protecting your rights and name. To schedule an appointment to discuss your case, contact the law office of Rhodes & Meryhew.