When Justice Takes Decades: A Deep Dive into Defending Against Decades-Old Child Sexual Assault Allegations
In this compelling episode of “GRL Law’s Victory Vault,” host Grant Granestad is joined by seasoned attorney Scott Michels as they thoroughly explore the high-stakes world of defending a client against child sexual assault allegations nearly two decades after the alleged incident. Throughout the episode, they delve into the complexities of a case where memories inevitably fade, stories gradually shift, and a single accusation ultimately has the power to destroy lives.
Scott thoroughly shares the challenges of navigating a legal landscape where there is no statute of limitations for certain charges. Despite being brought forth years later, these allegations can still lead to devastating consequences for the accused. Moreover, he sheds light on the personal and legal battles his client faces, including inevitable social tensions within communities and families.
Join us as we unpack the intricacies of this emotionally charged case. We will explore the defense strategies and witness the vindication of a man facing life-altering accusations. Along the way, tune in to understand not only the profound impact that such cases have on everyone involved but also the critical importance of thorough legal defense in preserving justice.
Statute of Limitations for Child Sex Crimes in Iowa
A recent Iowa law, passed in 2021, eliminated the statute of limitations for most child sex crimes. Consequently, most sexual crimes against children now have no statute of limitations. This includes serious offenses such as sexual abuse, exploitation, and incest. As a result, authorities can bring criminal charges against the perpetrator at any time, regardless of how much time has passed since the crime.
Statute of Limitations for Victims to file a Civil Lawsuit in Iowa
The new law eliminates the statute of limitations for criminal charges; however, it does not affect the statute of limitations for civil claims. Consequently, Iowans currently have up to a year after turning 18 to file a lawsuit over abuse they experienced as minors. Furthermore, if the abuse was committed by a counselor, therapist, or school employee, survivors can file claims up to five years after they stop receiving treatment or are no longer enrolled at the school. Therefore, you can find the new Iowa law here.
Wrongful Convictions for Child Sexual Abuse
Yes, wrongful convictions for child sexual abuse do happen. These cases, in particular, are highly complex and can be prone to errors due to several factors. For example, reliance on child memory, missing or incomplete forensic evidence, false accusations, and coerced confessions can all contribute to these errors. Consequently, organizations such as the Innocence Project work diligently to overturn convictions for those wrongfully accused of sex crimes. Additionally, individuals like David Wiggins have been cleared of wrongful convictions for child sex crimes through the use of DNA and other forensic evidence.
