Over the past several weeks, the Duggar family has encountered its fair share of unwanted publicity. According to a newly discovered police report, Josh Duggar, now twenty-seven years old and the oldest child in TLC’s television show Nineteen Kids and Counting, went to his parents at the age of fourteen and admitted to sexually abusing several children, including two of his younger sisters. The media frenzy following the discovery was expected and numerous questions were raised. The actions of Josh Duggar were undoubtedly reprehensible, which Josh Duggar himself acknowledged in a public statement following the story’s outbreak. However, it is unclear whether Josh’s parents could have handled the situation differently upon his disclosure.
Many times, the accuser and the alleged perpetrator live under the same roof, which was the case with the Duggars. When allegations of this nature arise, it often puts the entire family in a difficult position: the family attempts to address the alleged-victim’s concerns and put an end to any possible wrongdoing while simultaneously protecting the alleged perpetrator’s interests. Many times the family may only be able help the potential victim by sacrificing the needs of the alleged abuser.
The stalemate presented above exemplifies why serious allegations are often mishandled or remain unreported. Until families are given other options which do not require them to essentially choose between two loved ones, families are left with the stresses of dealing cautiously with the criminal justice system, making the need for an attorney an unfortunate but necessary step in the process.
The attorneys at Bleile & Dawson are extremely knowledgeable in criminal law in both the State of Ohio and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Whether we are providing our clients with legal advice or defending them against wrongful accusations, we provide our clients with the representation that they are not only entitled to, but deserve. Contact us today for a completely confidential consultation at (513) 399-5945. We will be there every step of the way.