molestation of tenant child by landlord's son

[pleaseadvise]

What type of lawyer is needed- property, personal injury, criminal? We have a friend who just found out that their preschool child was repeatedly sexually molested/fondled by their landlord, duplex neighbor's teenage son? They don't feel comfortable living there any longer given the shared resources. They feel like they should move out sooner rather than later for their daughter's psychological and physical well-being. They don't necessarily want to involve authorities as it is two juveniles, but will if necessary. They want to make sure they talk to a lawyer as there are significant financial costs associated with moving that they don't feel like they should have to incur. Because it is a small community and the nature of the crime, they are not sure that they want to stay which presents an additional level of expense. Please advise. Thanks in advance.

 

[Duranie]

First of all, your friend needs to call the police and report the crime. This is a very serious issue. It doesn't really matter if the person is a juvenile-they will continue to molest and re-offend unless they are caught. They need to seek a restraining order on this individual. The police will investigate and the DA will file criminal charges if they deem necessary, and likely eventually order the juvenlie into treatment. I do hope at least they have told the landlord about what they have discovered?

The second thing they need to do is to arrange some sort of counselling for the child.

Thirdly, they really need to talk to a lawyer maybe one versed in landlord/tenant act to see how they can go about getting out of their lease. Where does the landlord live?

This is more of a criminal issue than landlord/tenant. Their first priority should be reporti g this crime so the approproate actions can take place, and protecting their child from anymore abuse.

 

[Cvillecpm]

They need a lawyer to assit with police and negotiating with the landlord for actions of landlord's child.