Summary
The user is seeking advice on changing the venue of a child custody case in Alabama due to local biases. The user was informed that a change of venue can be requested if a fair trial isnt possible due to local biases, but the decision is at the courts discretion. The user was also advised on how to handle potential conflicts of interest and was informed about the role of a Guardian ad Litem in cases involving minors.Full Conversation
I CURRENTLY HAVE A CUSTOODY AGREEMENT IN PLACE WITH MY DAUGHTERS OTHER PARENT. IN NOVEMBER OF LAST YEAR SHE BEGAN DISCLOSING SEXUAL ABUSE. IN DECEMBER OF LAST YEAR SHE DISCLOSED SEXUAL ABUSE TO A FORENSIC INTERVIEWER. I DID DECIDE THAT I WANTED TO PRESS CHARGES AGAINST HER FATHER. THE INVESTIGATOR TOLD ME HE HAS ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO INDICT HIM BUT HE HASNT TURNED IT OVER TO THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY YET. HE HAS HAD A LAWYER THE WHOLE TIME FIGHTING MY PROTECTION ORDER AND CLAIMING THAT IM LYING TO JUST TAKE MY DAUGHTER AWAY FROM HIM. EVIDENCE AND HER DISCLOSURES PROVE OTHERWISE. I KNOW THAT ULTIMATELY I HAVE TO RETAIN COUNSEL TO MODIFY MY EXISTING CUSTODY AGREEMENT BUT i PLAN TO KEEO A PROTECTION ORDER IN PLACE UNTIL I HAVE THE FUND TO DO THAT. MY SPECIFIC QUESTION IS IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA IF I THE PLAINTIFF WANT TO REQUEST CHANGE OF VENUE DUE TO LOCAL BISES AND ALL OF HIS CONNECTIONS IN THE COMMUNITY ON WHAT GROUND AND LAWS IS IT MY RIGHT TO DO THAT IN REGARDS TO THE CRIMINAL CASE
Have you already filed a motion for change of venue in Alabama?
In Alabama:
- A change of venue can be requested if you believe a fair trial isn't possible due to local biases.
- The decision is at the discretion of the court.
- Contact: Alabama Judicial System, *-*-*.
WHAT REASONS WOULD A JUDGE DENY CHANGE OF VENUE
A judge might deny a change of venue if they believe that a fair and impartial trial can still occur in the original location.
HOW AM I AS THE PLAINTIFF ABLE TO MAKE SURE THAT NO ONE ON THE JURY AND NO ONE IN THE DISTRICT ATTORNEYS OFFICE KNOW AND HAVE CONNECTIONS WITH THE DEFENDANT?
Your attorney can conduct a process called "voir dire" to question potential jurors about any potential biases or connections. The District Attorney's office should also avoid conflicts of interest.
WHAT IF THEY DONT AVOID CONFILICTS OF INTEREST
If conflicts of interest aren't avoided, you can file a complaint with the state bar association. In Kentucky, contact the Kentucky Bar Association at (*) *-*.
THIS IS ALL IN ALABAMA
In Alabama, you can file a complaint with the Alabama State Bar Association if conflicts of interest aren't avoided. Their contact number is (*) *-*.
IN ALABAMA IN A CRIMINAL CASE WHERE I AM THE PLAINTIFF ON BEHALF OF MY MINOR CHILD WHAT LAW GRANTS ME THE RIGHT TO HAVE A GUARDIAN AD LITEM FOR MY CHILD
In Alabama, Rule *.* of the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure allows for the appointment of a Guardian ad Litem in cases involving minors.