Child Molestation

Lawrenceville, Georgia Child Abuse Lawyer

Charges of child molestation can be complicated by the manner in which investigators or psychologists interview a young witness. Depending on the age of a child, the degree of suggestibility can be significant. As a result, when investigators or child specialists use dolls to ask children where and how they were touched, the line separating suggestion and description can be extremely thin.

At the law office of Michael M. Sheffield, we consult experts on false memory syndrome, child psychologists, and other professionals in building our client's defense. We realize daycare workers, teachers, pastors, even family members can find themselves facing child molestation charges after over-zealous social workers or law enforcement officers misinterpret what a child says or does.

As an experienced criminal defense attorney with over 30 years defending people charged with serious crimes, Mr. Sheffield understands how to identify conflicting testimony, questionable interrogation / interview techniques, and shortcuts taken by prosecutors. To schedule a free, completely confidential consultation, contact child abuse allegations attorney Michael M. Sheffield today.

Fighting Allegations of Child Abuse

A fairly large number of child molestation charges begin in the emergency room or in a child's school or daycare. Healthcare providers are required under law to report suspected cases of child abuse. Nurses and doctors sometimes draw unwarranted conclusions based on the placement or nature of an injury or on what a child says. Unfortunately, there is little due process involved in reporting suspected child abuse cases: law enforcement or Child Protective Services (CPS) is notified and child is taken from the parents.

At the law office of Michael M. Sheffield, we can often intervene at the preliminary stages of an investigation in order to assert your rights and protections. In some cases, we may be able to pre-empt further action on the part of authorities and bring an investigation to end by answering certain questions and demanding our client's rights be respected.

When Family Members are Accused

When a family member is accused of child molestation, it's not uncommon for the Georgia Child Protective Services (CPS) to remove a child from his or her home and place them in foster care. This can happen even if the accused is removed from the home. This is particularly frustrating for families when there is very little evidence supporting the charge, or when there are clear alternatives to having a child removed from a parent not under suspicion.

As your lawyer, Mr. Sheffield is prepared to fight the actions of the CPS, especially when a child could be left with grandparents, aunts, or uncles.

Contact Child Abuse Attorney Michael M. Sheffield Today

Persons convicted of child molestation, statutory rape, or indecent exposure involving a minor are required to register as sex offenders. This can greatly impact a person's ability to find a job and place to live. If you've been arrested on charges of child molestation, contact criminal defense lawyer Michael M. Sheffield today to schedule a free consultation regarding your case. We have the knowledge and resources needed to expose the manipulation of children during interviews and the groundless assumptions of healthcare providers, social workers, and teachers.