Child Memory Issues in Testimony

All eyewitness testimony is unreliable, and many wrongful convictions result from the “memories” of alleged victims or witnesses. Children’s testimonies are often utilized in criminal cases, and though children of defendants or child witnesses can help rightfully convict criminals, memory issues and extreme susceptibility to harmful suggestion can make child witnesses a dangerous weapon. Grabel & Associates not only has experience in sex crime cases, but we know how to handle child testimony and other witness problems. We will fight to expose any unreliable testimony and bring the true details of your case to light.

Contact a sex crimes lawyer in Michigan immediately if you are facing criminal charges and believe dishonest testimony could be used against you. Our criminal defense team aggressively defends clients throughout Michigan who are facing unreliable eyewitness testimony or child memories. The idea of repressed memories has led to the fabrication of false testimony, which can be used to convict innocent people. Our lawyers will defend the truth and fight to protect your freedom throughout every stage of your criminal case, and we will not rest until you achieve the best possible legal result.

Problems With Child Testimony in Michigan

When children are called to testify in criminal cases, or are asked questions as part of a criminal investigation, memories can be unreliable, and highly open to suggestion. Just framing questions in a specific manner can illicit false responses from children, especially if they feel creating an answer are what the police officer or lawyer wants to hear. Though children can be accurate witnesses, improper questioning, preparation, or procedure can lead to false testimony and wrongful conviction, especially with younger children. False memories can either be twisted representations of events, or completely created actions that the child may come to actually believe. It is crucial to hire an attorney who can protect you from wrongful conviction due to unreliable child memories.

Work with an experienced attorney when your children or other juvenile witnesses are being used against you in a criminal case. Our lawyers understand the legal strategies that are effective in sex crime and other criminal cases, and our team will work with you to ensure you receive the best case outcome.

Child Memory Problems in Michigan Criminal Cases

Children are very open to suggestion and can be coached or coerced into providing false testimony. There are multiple situations when child memory issues can become a problem. In some divorce cases, parents are pitted against each other in vicious custody battles, which can lead one to coax false testimony out of children in order to paint the other as a bad parent. This can lead to sex crime, domestic violence, or negligence charges. Child testimony is also used often in malpractice cases or other abuse cases, which may even involve innocent strangers. Other criminal cases can utilize false memories in attempts to extort money, goods, or bribe defendants into otherwise settling or agreeing to damage arrangements.

Michigan Sex Crimes Defense Attorneys Defending Against Memory in Child Testimony in Criminal Cases in Detroit, Lansing, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, and Throughout Michigan

The negative stigma that a criminal record or sex offender registration could bring makes it crucial to avoid conviction or settling a case due to child testimony. Don’t give up on obtaining a great case result before speaking to an experienced attorney who can analyze alleged evidence in your case. Hire a lawyer as soon as possible in order to ensure you are in complete control of your case and legal actions. Our lawyers are always available to begin working with clients in criminal cases and defend against wrongful conviction.

Our Approach to Child Eyewitness Testimony Reliability

It is common knowledge that memories naturally change and distort over time, and that the idea of “repressed” memories can easily be a cover up for created memories. Because children are so open to outside influences and want to be “good” by telling adults what they want to hear, it is crucial to scrutinize any potential child testimony or memories that could affect your case.

Our attorneys will look over every piece of evidence and any account by witnesses to ensure no inconsistencies exist. We will then develop a comprehensive criminal defense approach, which will allow you to properly fight back against damaging accusations. Our lawyers understand the toll that a criminal defense investigation can take on you, and will work to expose the truth and uncover any hidden motives in your case.

Contact Scott Grabel for Criminal Defense in Cases Involving Children

Whether charges arise in the midst of a divorce or custody battle, or you have been wrongly accused based on eyewitness testimony, our team is here to help. Call 1-800-342-7896 now to speak with an experienced lawyer and fight back against police and prosecutors. Ask to set up a free consultation with Scott Grabel, by calling or contacting us online. You can reach our team 24/7 from anywhere in Michigan; so don’t hesitate to begin working with a great legal defense team.