False Allegations Of Child Sexual Abuse. Edward Nichols
you have experienced any of these “danger signs”, call Nichols Consulting for a free initial consultation.
If I am having any of these problems with my lawyer does it mean I have to change lawyers?
It depends. Sometimes bringing in a consulting firm can get a lawyer on the right track. Sometimes bringing in another lawyer to “assist” will do the trick. Often you will either have to replace the attorney or ask him to assist another attorney.
Isn’t changing lawyers expensive and bad for my case?
There will be additional expenses associated with changing attorneys, but the expenses will not be nearly as great as losing a child sexual abuse case!
I am completely innocent, do I really have much to worry about?
Yes, because there are more false convictions in child sexual abuse cases than any other kind of case. This is because these kind of cases often rest on the unsubstantiated testimony of children with no physical evidence. Forensic experts, psychologists and social workers, provide testimony that bolsters the testimony of children based upon “junk science”. Attorneys, without the benefit of the true research and winning strategies, try these cases as “credibility” cases, and not surprisingly, the children are seen as credible and the falsely accused are often falsely convicted. And what is the most commonly used basis for appeal in a false conviction case? Ineffective assistance of counsel. Our national experience shows that the time to address “ineffective assistance of counsel” is before there is a false conviction. We are prepared to help you form an appropriate defense team.
Why should I have to hire a consulting firm, isn’t having a lawyer enough?
In every case where child sexual abuse is alleged the state has a department of social services and its special sex abuse units at their side. These are social workers and other mental health professionals helping the prosecution every step of the way.
Now if there were a department of social services with a special false allegations unit to help your attorney every step of the way, would you think your attorney should take advantage of this help? Of course you would, and you have also answered your question: Our consulting firm levels the playing field by giving both sides the benefit of expert consultation. What is more, since Nichols Consulting is on the cutting edge of the latest scientific breakthroughs in the area of child sexual abuse, we believe that we give you the advantage of being able to formulate and execute a case that cuts through the “junk science” most responsible for false convictions.
How much does it cost to hire Nichols Consulting?
In over twenty years of professional practice we have found that the consulting services we provide add nothing to the overall costs of bringing about a successful resolution to a false allegations case. That is to say, the work we perform dramatically cuts down on the work that your attorney has to perform.
America’s top litigators welcome our work in assuring that every forensic base is covered, that every psychosocial factor is considered in developing a theory of the case, and that every rock is turned over in formulating a case that can give you every possible advantage.
Other attorneys, primarily concerned about the fees that we are able to extract, do not welcome our services.
In many cases attorneys familiar with our work will retain us at no additional cost to you.
What if I want your help but my lawyer doesn’t?
Considering who will suffer the most if you lose this case, we would suggest that you do what you think is in your best interest. Attorneys who intimidate and strike fear in the hearts of their clients are, in our opinion, a disgrace to their profession.
How much should it cost me to try my case?
There is no generic answer to this question. It is dependent upon a great number of factors. We can, however, estimate the cost for you after you provide some basic information. This service is provided at no charge as part of your initial consultation.
When I call Nichols Consulting is my conversation confidential?
Yes, and protected by law. Mr. Nichols is a licensed social worker and psychotherapist. When you call our New York office your conversation is specifically protected by law.
If you are located in New York, do you have anyone to help me in my locations?
We are a national consulting firm prepared to be in your location within 24 hours if required. While we are affiliated with professionals around the country, we want every client to know that we attempt to use the appropriate staff to assist you on the basis of talent and experience not geography.
The author of this book and founder of our firm, Edward Nichols, will be involved in your case. Most often he will do your initial consultation, and where appropriate, he will travel to your jurisdiction. It is not our goal to provide the “easiest” service, but rather, we aim to provide the most effective possible service within your budget.
When should I call Nichols Consulting?
At the earliest possible stage. As soon as you find out that you are accused is the best time.
It is much more effective to prevent costly errors than to correct them. Call as soon as possible.
I have just found out I’m accused and the social service people will be coming over, what should I say to them?
Tell them that you have nothing to hide because you have done nothing wrong, but you wish to retain an attorney who will contact them.
Do not answer any questions. Politely end the conversation.
The police told me they want to interview me. I’ve done nothing wrong. Shouldn’t I cooperate?
Absolutely not. Hire an attorney. Do not speak to the police unless your attorney is present?
Innocent people often feel that since they have nothing to hide, all they have to do is tell the truth, and the police will drop the matter. Nothing could be further than the truth. Every time you speak to a police officer or investigator you are making a new witness who may someday be in court testifying against you. Police and other investigators have been known to testify to a version of the “facts” you never heard before!
What kind of cases does Nichols Consulting help with?
While most of our cases involve criminal charges, we also help in family court and other civil cases.
We are also retained to prevent criminal charges when investigations are being conducted.
In the last four years we have began accepting appeal cases where defendants have been falsely convicted of child sexual abuse.
We also assist in cases where social services has “founded” or “indicated” a case and a person wishes to have his name cleared.
If you have any questions regarding a particular kind of situation, simply give us a call.
I’m just not sure if my case is going right, what can you do to help?
We can give you peace of mind and a detailed game plan of how to proceed. We call this a case assessment. Here’s how we do it: First we interview you and review all of your documents. Usually we will then make a trip to your jurisdiction to meet you, your attorney, and all other appropriate individuals. Mr. Nichols will usually do this assessment, with a Nichols Consulting attorney, if appropriate. Our trip to your jurisdiction will usually be 23 days. By the end of the trip we will make an assessment that will include: An appraisal of the current defense team and suggestions for enhancement if appropriate; the formulation of an initial theory of the case; an initial strategy development; an analysis of the current evidentiary issues; and analysis of appropriate investigative issues; an analysis