I knew about the "I didn't know". I know a lawyer is the way to go by all means when and if it gets to that point and my next question is... Do charges have to be pressed by the girl or her parents or does the state automatically push that?
I knew about the "I didn't know". I know a lawyer is the way to go by all means when and if it gets to that point and my next question is... Do charges have to be pressed by the girl or her parents or does the state automatically push that?
the state presses charges. All it takes is a person to report the crime and the state takes over from there. I'm surprised this wasn't charged long ago (like when she delivered). Since a child that age cannot consent to sex, I would have thought the hospital had a duty to report it to the authorities.
You're correct JK. The hospital in FL absolutely should have notified CPS/DCF of the pregnancy due to the age of the mother. Whether the family/mother would have cooperated at the time in a meaningful way to identify or locate the father...who knows...
wow - can't imagine why they didn't call them - possible the girl was scared or maybe didn't know who the dad was for sure? Not to take over this thread but a follow-on question. What if no one reports the crime and they are just looking for financial support? Will the state automatically intervene?
Not automatically, no.
But Florida is perhaps the toughest state in the country when it comes to prosecuting underage sex crimes. They can, and will, prosecute two 16 year olds - let alone a 19 year old sleeping with a 13 year old.
The delay could be for a variety of reasons.... including that mom went on public assistance and had to identify dad and someone did the math.
One of the posters here has a son that has been in prison for over a decade for having consensual sex with his girlfriend.
This is a HUGE deal... and the SOL on the rape hasn't gotten close to running out. The DNA test on the child will be considered evidence to the rape.
You need to talk to an attorney on Tuesday....
Thank you everybody. A DNA test has not been done yet. From my understand, D.O.R. will send the next paper with a date and time to go take one. My question...is this a mandatory test to take and does anybody know the rerecussions of me not take the test?
We are going to speak to an attorney Tuesday of course so thank you everybody for you input.
I was also told that our defense if it gets to that point could be that this gal at 14 put herself in an adult situation. Arrived at a party with 18-21 year olds where everybody there was 18-21 years of age. I did not know this gal, I did not pick her up, I did not know anything. I know the statue that states ignorance of age etc. What are you thoughts on this?
Thank you again.