Child Must Testify In Court

CHILD MUST TESTIFY IN COURT IN A CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT CASE

In a Criminal Sexual Conduct case, if the accuser is a CHILD, the child will not only be interviewed at a “CAC”, but the child will be required to testify at court. In order for the state to be able to proceed with their case, the child must be able to take the stand and tell the Judge/Jury what happened.

THE CHILD WILL HAVE TO TESTIFY IN PERSON:

1. At the Preliminary Exam (at District Court)
2. At the trial (at Circuit court)

It is very uncommon for the state to go forward with a Criminal Sexual Conduct case without the child, the accuser, testifying in court.

The state may go forward with a Child Abuse case without the child if the child is not old enough to speak. Other evidence may be used to substantiate an investigation and charges of Child Abuse.