Location: New Hampshire USA
Hello my sisters and I have now been waiting 8.5 years for a trial against our father for an array of abuse allegations. The case started from when we were all minors, and he was charged 8 years ago but the system has been used against us to delay, reschedule and elongate the process.
We have been waiting around in limbo for years, constantly prepping emotionally for trials that never happen. The trial has been canceled and rescheduled over a dozen times.
He was out of bail for the majority of this time, only recently being arrested because he violated his bail condition. (By trying to flee halfway across the country).
What recourse do I have to hold him or the state accountable for their failures?
We deserve to be able to get along with our lives.
Comments
Generally none. This is a feature rather than a bug of our justice system. It is setup as to ensure that defendants have every opportunity to exercise their right to a fair trial in which they are adequately represented and can defend themselves appropriately. Sometimes it can lead to a long delay between when the state initially charges them and the actual trial; especially so when you throw a pandemic in there. It understandably sucks in this instance and more so if the state caused any of the delays, but the public servants in the justice system are generally immune from any kind of litigation. You might be able to spin up political backlash against any elected position that has involvement or oversight, but that’s beyond the scope of this sub.