Jim-Jac Publishing, Ltd. Although the writing is a bit stiff, the story told in this 460-page book is a tragic, but realistic, account of how an allegation of child sexual abuse may produce a wrongful conviction. The author claims he is innocent, but was convicted of sexually abusing his daughter when she was three years old. Whether or not he is innocent, the actions of the prosecutor, the testimony of witnesses, according to the court records, and the unfortunate choices of the defense attorney are those observed in many trials. At that level there is nothing to suggest the account is anything other than accurate. The outcome of conviction and prison is also a realistic potential for anyone charged with child sexual abuse. This book can be read with profit by anyone who is accused. It will suggest what to avoid. It also makes it clear that a defense attorney must be willing to learn that a sexual abuse trial is unlike any other. It is a unique genre. A sexual abuse trial must not be treated like a typical felony drug bust. That is a losing strategy because every player in a sexual abuse trial is affected by primitive and atavistic emotion that is unpredictable in its impact. Judges, attorneys, jurors, witnesses, and spectators are all impacted by their emotional involvement in unique and highly individual ways. If accused, read this book and learn its lessons well. Reviewed by Ralph Underwager, Institute for Psychological Therapies.
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