Forensic interviews are not just for the prosecution. In this process, the defense can gather information from a witness or victim to present in a court hearing.
In situations involving allegations of child abuse, this technique offers the defense an opportunity to challenge the validity of abuse allegations or claims. For the defense, a forensic interview expert witness could gather the factual information needed to save an individual from wrongful conviction.
What the interview does
A forensic interview is a sensitive and legally accepted method of gathering the facts regarding allegations of child abuse. By combining widely accepted interview techniques and thorough research, the professional administering the interview explains more than just a child’s statements. Body language and non-verbal signals are also incorporated into the analysis. Whenever the charges for a crime stem from the information discovered during an interview with a child, a challenge to the interview is important. The prosecution for the case will often rely on a forensic interview to present support for the allegations.
How the interview helps
These forensic interview professionals are expert witnesses and can benefit a case in several ways. They can assist with a thorough review of the allegation process, police records and prior interviews to determine any potential influence on the child’s responses. These professionals can help determine strong cross-examination questions for the defense attorney to ask the expert witness put on the stand by the prosecution. Having this expert witness available also ensures that the defense counsel remains empathetic, objective and neutral when working with the child victim.
Child abuse is not taken lightly in Maryland and the surrounding region. It is important to utilize all of the resources available to avoid a wrongful conviction.