I am going through the same situation with my son. My heart goes out you. We are in Florida and that is the worse state to be in with a sex offense charge, unless you have a lot of money. I go through the same emotions when I see those types of commercials. He has admitted to what he did also, but not what they have charged him with( Capital sexual battery). That carries a life sentence. Oh my goodness there murders who don't get life sentences. It was his daughter. Through all this I lost everything. My grandchildren, my son, my daughter in-law, my pets,my home, everything. I can't share a lot of the story due to the fact it's an on going case. I have cried for 201 days. I have to put my trust in God and pray he makes a way for my family to be restored. I will keep you in my prayers. There is a chance of plea deals also. Although my son hasn't been offered one yet. He has a Public Defender and all he tells him is he is going to go away for life. I pray against that every day also. I know It's not much help but I do share your pain.

My crime took place in 2005 in FL My judge was the head of the local sex offenders vicitims advocatory

I know from the course we all need to take my above statement is justication I do not mean it that way I am willing to tell the entire truth to what I did so why not tell the entire truth about the judge too. don't mean to make it about me just showing how crazy the judges can be

It's like the DA and the Investigating officers. They say "I hope your son will not make it harder for his daughter" meaning not going to trial. They don't seem to care if they put her through the pain though.

its very hard as a parent to watch our sons go through this. Even though it was brought on by my sons own actions its still hard and like I am living in a nightmare. My son is a veteran who did 2 tours in Iraq and saw some messed up stuff involving kids. I have to believe that is what triggered this. He got 3 yrs and I am hoping for early release. Our lawyer said we can start applying for early release after 6 months served even though he probably won't get it right away. Never give up! And keep bugging your attorney about filing for early release or filing for anything you can file for. I know any classes taken while they are in looks very very favorable when you file for early release. Have him take counseling and sex offender classes if they are available. Any classes that are positive!

Reggie,

Your son's best bet is to delay any trial or plea for as long as possible.

The longer the case goes on, the better it is for the defendant. Witnesses' memories fade with time, witnesses get cold feet, and DAs want to get rid of cases so they can get to the next one.

His attorney can stall and ask for continuances to prolong this case. Of course, there is a limit as to how long it can be postponed, but it is in his best interests to threaten to go to trial while stalling.

You can bet the prosecutor does not want to take this to trial. He would much rather have a plea without a trial, but he will go to trial if necessary. Hopefully, he will be so reluctant to go to trial that your son will get a decent plea bargain offer from the DA.

The DA would much rather have a certain conviction by offering a decent plea bargain to your son than risk everything and go to trial with some witnesses that are reluctant to go forward.

After a while, sometimes witnesses realize that it is not worth it and are reluctant to proceed. Their memories of the incident start to fade. And it is entirely possible that if your son works the DA properly, the DA will offer a sweetheart of a deal in the form of a plea bargain that might be more reasonable.

Sometimes these cases, with time, just begin to fall apart.

Delays almost always work in the defendant's favor.

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jrl2299,

You said, " It's like the DA and the Investigating officers. They say "I hope your son will not make it harder for his daughter" meaning not going to trial. They don't seem to care if they put her through the pain though."

Don't fall for that nonsense. If the DA wanted to make it easier for the daughter, he could just as easily offer a good deal in the form of a plea bargain and avoid putting the daughter through a trial. This works both ways.

Sure, they want a plea as it ensures a conviction. But your son's life is also at stake here. He has to think about his future also and do whatever he must to minimize the severity of his sentence. Even if he is guilty, he deserves a FAIR sentence.

The DA could kill two birds with one stone if he would do it. He could offer a plea your son could live with AND by not going to trial it would make it easier on the daughter.

The hypocrisy of the people in law enforcement amaze me at times.

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I can tell you as a parent that you will get better at coping with this situation. I lost 3 years of ME, mourning the loss of my sons life and future, but then slowly I found my way back. You will too. Read the stages of grief, it truly mirrors this experience for us as parents.

http://walkamileinmyfingshoes.wordpress.com/2011/06/23/until-it-comes-to-your-door/

Thanks, everyone, for your input. It really helps a lot. jlr2299 -- I'm sorry your son is having such a hard time and that his Public Defender is so negative. My son's lawyer is a PD also, but he's always been very nice and helpful in talking to me. bsmom14 -- my son was in Afghanistan and Iraq, but he never really talked about any of that, except to say someone in one of their convoys, a woman, was killed by an ied. They don't have counseling or anything while he's still in jail, but I'm hoping he can get counseling when he does get to prison. I plan to call his lawyer again and find out what they have available in the state where he lives. Rewdiazepam, thanks for all your advice! My DIL took the kids and moved a few states away to be near her mother, so there is a chance she won't want to come back for the trial. So I'm praying for a good deal for my son. Thanks, everyone for the prayers and support!