Does the press reveal the name of a minor in a sexual abuse case?
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Does the press reveal the name of a minor in a sexual abuse case?
The victim is a 9 year-old old girl and the accused is her father. I need to know if I could put his name to the press on the chance that he could have abused other kids? How I can inform the public after he has been charged?
Asked on October 8, 2010 under Criminal Law, Texas
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
The press usually does not reveal the name of a minor in a sexual abuse case. Since the individual has been accused, but has not been convicted, he could sue you for defamation if you were to give his name to the media "on the chance that he could have abused other kids". Unless he is convicted, he is presumed innocent.
If you have evidence that he has abused other kids, you should contact law enforcement. If there is evidence resulting in additional charges being filed against him, the media will report it.
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