What if Somebody Made False Child Abuse Allegations Against Me in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, anybody who thinks a child is being abused or neglected has the right to make a report with the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) or to the local police. In other words, this includes doctors, social works, teachers and more but it is not limited to them. However, just because somebody makes the claim doesn’t necessarily make it true. If you are facing serious child endangerment or sexual assault charges in Minnesota because somebody has made allegations against you, sit down with an experienced Minnesota sexual assault, domestic violence or child endangerment attorney.
“The problem is that sometimes people claim abuse for vindictive reasons like a breakup or a divorce or other nefarious reason.”
Is There Such a Thing as a Mandatory Reporter?
Yes. By statute, there are certain jobs and professions that require mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect if they become aware of it or here about it from somebody. These include, doctors, psychologists, teachers, administrators, social workers and more. Failure to report suspected abuse or neglect can result in criminal charges. Of course, just because they must report doesn’t necessarily make the underlying allegation true. They are frequently repeating what they were told/ There is an old line, junk in, junk out. It may apply here. .
“If a mandatory reporter hears of abuse, they must report. However, sometimes what they hear may not be true. It becomes junk in, junk out. They just repeat what they heard.”
Nobody wants to see a child harmed or neglected. Anybody with concerns can pick up that phone or jump online. Minnesota has also made this very easy for people to get the attention of authorities. Reports can be made to the Minnesota Child Abuse Reporting Hotline 24/7 by calling 1-844-880-1574. People can always go online at https://mn.gov/dhs/report-abuse/. Of course, all of these options are important to protect children from neglect or abuse. The downside is that it may not calculate those who are claiming abuse for vindictive reasons like a breakup or a divorce or other nefarious reason or simply to get back at somebody.
“It goes to motive. Why did somebody say these terrible things about you?”
If somebody has made an allegation against you and you are or might be facing charges, be they child abuse, domestic abuse, sexual abuse or more, it is important that you sit down immediately with an experienced Minnesota domestic violence or child endangerment defense attorney. They can explain your rights, what you might be facing and how to respond.
Jack Rice is the Founder of Jack Rice Defense, a boutique criminal defense firm based in St. Paul, Minnesota. Jack is a nationally known and award winning criminal defense attorney. He was just named a Minnesota Super Lawyer for 2023. Jack is also a former prosecutor, former CIA Officer and Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist. Contact Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation or call 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339. Jack’s got your back.