Police interview re my teen

[Anonymous]

My teen reported to her therapist that she *might* remember being inappropriately touched by a neighbor ten years ago. Therapist reported. Got a call from a detective this morning who wants to discuss.

Anyone ever participated in an interview like this? Should I get a lawyer? What to do, what to expect, anything to worry about? Thx

[Anonymous]

I don't think so. Seems like a good lesson to learn from your teen's point of view (only report important things otherwise people will waste your time, or you will waste other people's time).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
I don't think so. Seems like a good lesson to learn from your teen's point of view (only report important things otherwise people will waste your time, or you will waste other people's time).

Being molested is a really important thing. The question is, does she actually remember it? OP is stressing that she *might* remember it. Let the professionals do their jobs and sort this out.

OP, I’m sorry. This must be a very intimidating process for your family. I wish you and your dd the best.

[Anonymous]

We are being totally supportive of my teen. Just need to know how to navigate law enforcement.

[Anonymous]

The police are not your friends. They do not have your or your child's best interests in mind. You should at least consult an attorney to discuss how to handle questioning and whether the attorney should be present or merely on call.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The police are not your friends. They do not have your or your child's best interests in mind. You should at least consult an attorney to discuss how to handle questioning and whether the attorney should be present or merely on call.

This.

Did it actually happen? If not your neighbor may face repercussions however the statute of limitations has probably passed.

[Anonymous]

Ok can anyone suggest an attorney?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The police are not your friends. They do not have your or your child's best interests in mind. You should at least consult an attorney to discuss how to handle questioning and whether the attorney should be present or merely on call.

This.

Did it actually happen? If not your neighbor may face repercussions however the statute of limitations has probably passed.

Depending what happened and where it's really not "probable" that the statue of limitations has passed. Maryland and Virginia both have no statute of limitations for most felonies, so it's possible there could be a prosecution. I'm normally against cooperating with the cops but child sex abuse is a time I would make an exception.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The police are not your friends. They do not have your or your child's best interests in mind. You should at least consult an attorney to discuss how to handle questioning and whether the attorney should be present or merely on call.

This.

Did it actually happen? If not your neighbor may face repercussions however the statute of limitations has probably passed.

Depending what happened and where it's really not "probable" that the statue of limitations has passed. Maryland and Virginia both have no statute of limitations for most felonies, so it's possible there could be a prosecution. I'm normally against cooperating with the cops but child sex abuse is a time I would make an exception.

Not cooperating with cops undermines effective policing. How about don’t brag about that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My teen reported to her therapist that she *might* remember being inappropriately touched by a neighbor ten years ago. Therapist reported. Got a call from a detective this morning who wants to discuss.

Anyone ever participated in an interview like this? Should I get a lawyer? What to do, what to expect, anything to worry about? Thx

What does this mean? Touched, not touched, or what?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
I don't think so. Seems like a good lesson to learn from your teen's point of view (only report important things otherwise people will waste your time, or you will waste other people's time).

OMG what?

[Anonymous]

I would want to know what kind of detective they are sending over. A male detective or a female detective who specializes in this area? If it’s the latter I’d want to speak with her in advance to understand my rights to sit in with my daughter. If the police didn’t make me feel comfortable I’d delay any questioning until I had spoken with an attorney. I’m not anti-police but I’d be very pro daughter.

[Anonymous]

Have you spoken with your daughter about what “might” means? Accusing a neighbor of something that “might” have happened is risky business.

[Anonymous]

There's a lot of speculation here from posters doubting the kid to posters saying police don't serve your child's best interest. And it doesn't sound like anybody here opining is actually police. Here my bit of speculation: perhaps the police is simply in information gathering mode, and it turns out this neighbor of OP's is a repeat offender or somebody who has been accused several times in the past? Would this change y'all's opinion? There's simply too many unknowns to jump to any conclusions.

[Anonymous]

This is scary that your teen can potentially ruin someone's life. Either she remember or she doesn't. "Might" is a really scary word. I would make my teen write out a statement or tell me what happened before being interviewed by the police. The neighbor might not have even lived there 10 years ago or was never alone with the neighbor. It reminds me if the mcmartin preschool trials.