Testimony in Court and Threat

[NEIASD]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state? SD--IA

A CPS worker told a lawyer--who then advised the family of the child..if they testify in favor of the person accused of child abuse that they may never get custody of the child back. Even though such testimony (in favor) would be the truth. I know that most people would do anything to keep their child--and they know that too. Even lie..I assume.

They have made many threats regarding custody of the child, stating that she is very "adoptable" and that the family must follow their plan of action in order to get custody back.

Is it illegal to tell someone to change their testimony or not testify in a favorable manner, or even testify at all for a defendant in exchange for something of great value? (the child) If so what laws does this fall under, and what action could be taken? I am sure the family is very afraid.

 

[LdiJ]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state? SD--IA

A CPS worker told a lawyer--who then advised the family of the child..if they testify in favor of the person accused of child abuse that they may never get custody of the child back. Even though such testimony (in favor) would be the truth. I know that most people would do anything to keep their child--and they know that too. Even lie..I assume.

They have made many threats regarding custody of the child, stating that she is very "adoptable" and that the family must follow their plan of action in order to get custody back.

Is it illegal to tell someone to change their testimony or not testify in a favorable manner, or even testify at all for a defendant in exchange for something of great value? (the child) If so what laws does this fall under, and what action could be taken? I am sure the family is very afraid.

Hmmm, that is interesting. What does the family's attorney think? Basically CPS normally doesn't allow a child to be placed in the custody of a person that they do not believe can or will protect the child from the offending parent. Therefore they generally won't place the child with someone who stands up for the offending parent. However it certainly sounds like they are using a form of "blackmail" to attempt to effect the outcome of a court case, and that is VERY illegal.

 

[NEIASD]

Sad Case

What does the family's attorney think?

The attorney for the Mother agrees, she passed the message on--it would be a bad idea to tesitfy in favor of the accused abuser because it would affect the outcome of the child placement in a negative manner. Even though the family of the child knows that the accused in this case is innocent. It's all a very sad case and a lot of "illegal" things have happened. Like "losing" evidence that can prove the innocence of the accused.