SOUND OFF: Should Rapist Get Parental Rights?
An admitted rapist in Massachusetts reportedly is seeking visitation rights to the child he fathered after the crime. What do you think?
A legal battle is taking shape in Massachusetts over the question: should a rapist have the legal right to visit the child that resulted from the rape?
FoxNews reports that an admitted Massachusetts rapist is seeking such visitation rights.
The girl was 14-years old when it happened, says Fox; the man was a 20-year-old the girl knew from church.
She and her mother pressed charges, but the girl decided to keep the baby.
Last year, the man pleaded guilty in Norfolk Superior Court to four counts of statutory rape of a child.
But here's the rub: FoxNews says the prosecutor asked for a prison sentence of three to five years, but a Superior Court judge instead sentenced him to 16 years probation—with the requirement that he acknowledge paternity and abide by the probate and family court.
The probate court ordered him to pay child support, which paved the way for him to ask for visitation rights.
The girl's lawyer wants the court to change the man's sentence to make him pay for the child he fathered but not give him any parental rights.
What do you think?
Dr. Peter Hill
7:18 am on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
In the even of a rape conviction, NOT AN ACCUSATION, I do not believe the person should have parental rights.
Mass Children
8:51 am on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
He was convicted and sentenced to a poultry 16 years probation for his crime. Of course he should not have parental rights. This shouldn't even be a question. People wonder why victims rarely report rapes, here's why! The state treats them like they are the criminal. Lost for words!!
fitzroy
11:58 pm on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Was his probation officer a chicken? Do chickens even live 16 years?
John Casy
5:46 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Mass Children
What are you talking about ( sentenced to a poultry 16 years probation ) That poor guy will be control for that long. He should of got maybe a years probation. All he did was help him self. So shes 14. At that age she was already broken in. And if not she found her place in life as all women are here to service us men.
He has to pay child support for that mistake ( Baby ) he has every right to see his brat.
You made the statement ( People wonder why victims rarely report rapes )
Thats because most so call rapes NEVER happen. Many women are born lyers and lie just because there mad at there man for other reasons.
Bruce Thompson
9:36 am on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
absolutely not. that would invite the sicko to continue to do it over again. ABSOLUTELY NOT
Brooklyn Lowery
10:11 am on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
We understand that this topic could elicit some strong responses, and that's OK. But please avoid profanity or threatening language -- both violate our terms of use. http://www.patch.com/terms.
Sue Hardy
11:40 am on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Sorry!
Jennifer Anker
11:34 am on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
He raped a 14-year old girl. That should be a reminder that he is an actual danger to children and adolescents, which means he may be seeking parental rights to have access to a new victim.
Dr. Peter Hill
2:57 pm on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
There is NO excuse to rape, have so called consensual sex with a 14 year old. While he was 17 at the time, that still is no excuse. It is the only explanation though that I can see for the lenient sentence. Plea bargains seem to be part of the problems that serious crimes like rape, murder and other violent crimes are not prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Sue Hardy
5:59 pm on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
I think he was twenty at the time.
John Casy
12:41 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
So what if this guy help him self. He never should of got 16 year probation to start with. He should of got maybe a years probation and let go a free man.
If hes stuck paying child support for a mistake ( Baby ) he should be able to vist his child. The judge was so wrong coming down on him with 16 year probation.
Good luck to this guy !!
Wayne Wisner
2:32 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Only in Massachusetts can somethjing so simple and clear become so muddy !
Convicted rapists should NOT have any visitation rights and should be ordered to stay away from the mother and child.
Paula Edens Baer
2:50 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Rape is not a mistake it is a crime. He was 20 years old and made the choice to rape a 14 year old girl. He is not a "father" he is a rapist and needs to be locked up in prison.