Family Law for Those Accused of Sex Crimes

At The Meryhew Law Group, PLLC our attorney is focused on criminal representation in state and federal courts for cases of alleged sexual misconduct. But we recognize that our client’s often have other court cases and issues that happen parallel to our work, and we have learned that it is critical for us to understand and assist those other cases to get the best results for our clients. In order to meet those needs, we offer a host of other services that assist in civil actions that are common to our clients in these very difficult cases, including:

• Consultations with family law and civil attorney to provide expertise and referral for case strategy, preparing for and using psychosexual evaluations, and expert witnesses in the issues unique to sexual allegations. These include the identification of the causes of false accusations of child sexual abuse, child interviewing techniques, repressed memory and false memories. This work is primarily in Family Court and in Child Protective Services Investigations but can also be in regard to Department of Health, Adult Protective Services or other administrative agency investigations.
• Preparation and referral to appropriate psychosexual evaluation and sex offender specific treatment options for our clients.
• Sexual Assault Protection Order defense. While these cases are conducted in civil court they can have a huge impact on the criminal case, and they are an opportunity to develop evidence for use in the criminal case, so we do help clients fighting these Petitions.
• DV Protection Order and Anti-Harassment Order defense. Again, if the cause of action arises from allegations of sexual misconduct, or is a companion to a criminal investigation, we help our clients fight these Petitions.

Family law cases are always stressful, but when you add the complication of allegations of sexual abuse or neglect the stress and pressure can be intense. When you are accused of abusing your children or of allowing someone else to abuse your children, the stakes are very high. Under any of these scenarios you are facing life-altering consequences that require an aggressive, intelligent, and experienced defense. At The Meryhew Law Group, PLLC we work with clients every day who are facing these very serious accusations while fighting to retain their children, families, jobs, homes, reputation, dignity, and their futures.

Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse or Neglect

A claim of sexual abuse or neglect creates a significant complication to any family law, child custody or parenting plan action. Whether you are charged or not the accused is quickly restricted in many ways. You can lose the right to see your children or any children at all for that matter. You can be restricted from coming near or communicating with your spouse, family members, and your family home. Family court can order psychological and psychosexual evaluations that may or may not be appropriate, and then order you to participate in treatment, regardless of whether any criminal charges are filed.

At The Meryhew Law Group our team of attorney has extensive experience and skill in defending and advocating for clients in these situations. From the identification of potential causes of false accusations to crafting appropriate treatment and therapeutic options when that is appropriate, our attorney has an understanding of how to ensure that our client’s interests are best protected.

When facing such serious impacts on your life and the lives of your children, you need to work with an attorney who has the experience, judgment and skill to help you navigate the difficult decisions and steps you may have to take.

Defending You While your Family Law Case continues

Often our clients are accused of a crime and facing civil actions in family law court at the same time. A criminal charge may be filed against you as well as a civil action such as a dissolution or protection or restraining order asking that you have limited or no contact with family members. At The Meryhew Law Group our attorney is highly experienced at working closely with family law attorney and other professionals involved in your family law case. When you are accused of a crime it can seem almost impossible to defend yourself in the family law court while the criminal case is going on, and anything you say in the family court can and will be used against you in the criminal court. At The Meryhew Law Group our team of attorney includes top-notch criminal defense attorney with a recognized expertise in mounting a vigorous defense that will ensure that your family law attorney has the tools to ensure that everything that can be done to protect your interests in the family law court is done at the same time.

Sexual Abuse, Divorce, Child Custody and Visitation Rights

It is not uncommon to have allegations of child sexual abuse come up for the first time during divorce proceedings when child custody and visitation are at issue. At The Meryhew Law Group we have been representing clients facing these circumstances for years and understand how to effectively deal with them. If you are being falsely accused we will thoroughly investigate the facts, prepare your case, and fight hard to set the records straight. Our attorney is prepared to address these difficult issues directly and carefully to ensure that your rights, and the rights of your family and children, are protected and preserved during these critical court proceedings.

Protection Orders and Restraining Orders

One of the most immediate consequences of an allegation of sexual assault or abuse is usually a petition for a protection order and a court hearing a few days later. Whether it is a petition for a domestic violence protection order, an anti-harassment order or a sexual assault protection order all of these have serious consequences. Courts have the authority to impose temporary and long term orders that include restrictions on your having contact of any sort with a family member or any person or place. The terms of such orders may include freezing bank accounts; immediate changes in child custody arrangements; requiring the surrender of weapons; requiring participation in expensive, invasive and time consuming treatment evaluation and services preventing a person from having any direct indirect contact with their family and others. You can also lose your right to possess a firearm under federal law if certain orders are granted against you. If someone has filed a petition for a protection or restraining order against you, you need to act quickly. Typically, you only have a week or two to organize your defense and appear in court to present your case. At The Meryhew Law Group we are prepared to react quickly and persuasively to these petitions to insure that your rights are not trampled.