Expert: Michael Troy - 11/14/2005

Question
Hello, Recently I was arrested for child terroist threat ( telling her I would kick butt if she did not do her choirs.) My mother in law called the police after my daughter called her. I spent 8 days in jail. No bruises, no scientific evidence, no witnesses. Just a 12 year old who has been diagnosised with depression telling her grandma I hit her and yelled at her. I am pissed! What should I do? Thanks Tony  

Answer
Hi Tony,

Sorry to hear about your difficulties.  Unfortunately, I am not permitted to provide specific legal advice in this forum.  My strong recommendation is that you retain an attorney licensed in your State if you still have charges pending against you.  

If the charges have been dropped and you are considering taking some legal action of your own, I really don't see anything.  I suppose you could sue your mother-in-law for making a false charge to police.  But if she had a good faith belief, or could make that claim in court, that her grandaugther might be harmed, it would likely not be successful.  In my opinion, it would only make family relations worse than they are now.

But again, this is not really my area of expertise.  If you really want to pursue this, please consult an attorney in your area.

- Mike