I know someone who was molested by her brother as a child 20 years ago. Can he still be charged?

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I know someone who was molested by her brother as a child 20 years ago. Can he still be charged?

She was 12 and he was 16 at the time. This happened in Texas. She told me that he
came into her room once when she was asleep and touched her inappropriately.

Asked on July 21, 2017 under Personal Injury, Texas

Answers:

B.H.F., Member, Texas State Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 6 years ago | Contributor

If he is charged as a minor, then the statute of limitations has run for prosecution.  However, if the state could garner a good reason for charging him as an adult, then there is a potention for prosecution depending on the nature and extent of the touching.  This does not happen often, but it is a slight, potential consequence. 
The decision to explore these options really depends on your friend.  If she is content that she has moved on and does not want to relive the events via a criminal prosecution, then she may simply want to explore other options through counseling. 


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