posted by Edward Nichols, MSW, LCSW-R on May 9
In most cases those alleging false allegations of child sexual abuse have a social service agency and its experts to assist in developing a forensic case against the falsely accused. Nichols Consulting, a New York based national consulting firm, provides the forensic expertise to identify how these experts are mistaken and how the research exposes the false accusations.
While there is legal presumption of innocence, the hard, cold reality is that in today’s media environment the accused is assumed guilty in these cases. This makes the proactive and comprehensive defense essential. Nichols Consulting brings to the occasion our national experience in the design of proactive strategies.
In cases of false allegations most often young children become the victim of leading and suggestive questioning. [Click Here to find out more about our Child Suggestibility Litigation Library] There is now an impressive body of research that will expose these forensic errors — and Nichols Consulting is on the cutting-edge of this science!
The forensic issues that emerge in false allegation cases calls for proactive and comprehensive motion practice to identify and limit the inclusion of tainted evidence and “junk science”. Nichols Consulting has prepared a “Motions Library” that provides these cutting-edge motions. [Click here to find out more about our Motions Library].
Our national experience allows us to assist you with state-of-the-art examples of motions and brief that have addressed these issues in a variety of circumstances and jurisdictions. To get Nichols Consulting on the job in your case, simply call 800.400.8886.
Click here to view the video “How to Win Your Case”.
If you would like to see how we have helped attorneys nationally, click on our video “Success Stories”.
If you would like to see how you can specifically get assistance, click on our video “Getting The Help You Need”.
posted by Edward Nichols, MSW, LCSW-R on May 7
For over 25 years Edward Nichols, social worker and licensed psychotherapist, has been assisting attorneys who are defending persons falsely accused of child sexual abuse. Based in Central New York, Nichols’ practice has reach all fifty states with remarkable results in case after case. In 1994 his comprehensive reference volume, False Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse: The Attorney’s Desk Reference, was first published. This book, reviewed by BNA’s Family Law Reporter, became a national success and is now available by computer download. www.falseabuse.com/ebook.html
Today Edward Nichols is the key member of the consulting firm that bears his name. Nichols Consulting exclusively assists clients, through their attorneys, in cases of false allegations of child sexual abuse.
Edward Nichols is retained in complicated criminal and civil cases nationally. His forensic, clinical and practical experience set him apart from his peers and made him a critical asset to attorneys defending false allegations of child sexual abuse. He may be reached at 800.400.8886. To learn more visit www.falseabuse.com
posted by Edward Nichols, MSW, LCSW-R on May 6
Nichols Consulting is the only national, forensic consulting firm of its kind. We work hand-in-glove with attorneys for coast to coast. We level the playing field by putting at an attorney’s fingertips the benefit of our 25 years of national experience.
Whether you are trying to prevent an indictment or preparing to try a case, we are able to hit the ground running and give you the advantage. We can be in your jurisdiction assisting you in a matter of days. All of our services may be accessed by calling our national 24-hour hotline. 1.800.400.8886 or visit our web site at www.falseabuse.com
posted by Edward Nichols, MSW, LCSW-R on May 4
Charles County (LaPlata, MD)
A young 25-year old police officer was charged with third degree sex offenses against 2 teenage neighbors after giving them a ride home from a party because they were drunk. The case was resolved with Alford pleas to simple assault and a period of probation. There was no registration and the client will receive a probation before judgment that will expunge his record as soon as his probation is complete.
posted by Edward Nichols, MSW, LCSW-R on May 4
Prince George’s County (Upper Marlboro, MD)
A now 16-year old dysfunctional teenager is accusing her natural father of having sexually abuse her for years. There is evidence that the father caught his daughter having sex with her older teenage boyfriend. After the father threw the boyfriend out of the house and told him not to return, his daughter accused him of the abuse. There is also evidence that the daughter made statements to the DSS social worker that no abuse took place. Yet, despite that evidence, the prosecution presses on.
posted by Edward Nichols, MSW, LCSW-R on May 4
Baltimore County (Towson, MD)
On appeal is a case involving, as a matters of first impression, the issues of competency and taint as well as the requirement for the state to prove that the alleged abuse took place during the time frame set out in the indictment.
posted by Edward Nichols, MSW, LCSW-R on May 4
Baltimore City, MD
A school teacher was charged in 3 separate cases for having abused 3 children that he had in foster care through his church. In addition, the family of one of the children filed a civil suit seeking damages.
The 3 criminal cases were disposed of with not guilty verdicts followed by the 2 other cases being nol prossed. The civil suit was dismissed by consent.
posted by Edward Nichols, MSW, LCSW-R on May 4
Harford County (Bel Air, MD)
A now 24 year old defendant was alleged to have touched a then 12-year old minor staying at his house when he was 19 years old. He was charged with child sexual abuse and third degree sex offense.
After a 3-day jury trial, verdicts of not guilty were entered as to both counts.
posted by Edward Nichols, MSW, LCSW-R on May 4
Anne Arundel County (Annapolis, MD)
A 19-year old was accused of anally raping his 2 younger step-brothers over a period of years. Even though the acts were alleged to have occured when the defendant was a juvenile, he was charged as an adult. These same boys had accused their natural father of the abuse years earlier. The defense presented 16 witnesses whose testimony contradicted the State’s 3 witnesses. The case also involved a multitude of legal issues of first impressions
After a 7-day trial, the jury entered not guilty verdicts as to the older step-brother. The state dismissed the charges related to the other brother the next day.
posted by Edward Nichols, MSW, LCSW-R on May 4
Montgomery County (Rockville, MD)
A school bus aide was charged with a third degree sex offense for touching a special-needs student. The court found the child competent, ignoring the modern literature and cases that address competency. At the trial, because the child could not testify as to details of the alleged abuse, the court granted defense counsel’s motion for judgment of acquital.
An interesting part of the case is that the school bus aide, who was from India and did not have a perfect command of the English language, made a statement to the police making a quasi admission. The law about uncorroborated confessions was argued effectively and resulted in the court not using that evidence.