There are few criminal charges that are considered more serious than child abuse. From physical harm to neglect, accusations that you have mistreated a child can carry severe penalties. If you have been accused of abusing a juvenile, now is the time to discuss your options with a dedicated defense attorney.
Child abuse allegations alone can have a harmful impact on your life, starting with complications during child custody proceedings. These challenges pale in comparison to the consequences of a conviction. Let a Carrollton child abuse lawyer evaluate your circumstances and advise you on your best path forward.
Child abuse is a term used to describe a broad collection of actions related to the mistreatment of a juvenile. A Carrollton child abuse attorney could develop a defense strategy for the following allegations:
Neglect is the failure of a parent or guardian to provide a child with the basic necessities of life. This includes ensuring the child has food, water, shelter, and medical care. The failure to see to a juvenile’s educational or health needs can also qualify as neglect.
The most common type of mistreatment giving rise to child abuse charges is the physical abuse of a minor child. That said, not every injury is an indication of physical abuse. Children are accident-prone and often suffer harm despite an adult’s best intentions of protecting them. Physical abuse includes any kind of intentional or careless behavior that leads to an injury.
Attempting to exploit a juvenile for the purpose of sexual gratification is considered an incredibly serious crime. This charge could involve improper sexual contact between a minor and an adult, or even the exposure of genitalia to a minor. There are also “non-contact” offenses like the possession or distribution of exploitative sexual material of a child.
Not all forms of child abuse result in physical scars. It is possible to inflict trauma on a child without ever causing them physical harm. This could come in the form of harassing, shaming, or putting a child into a constant state of fear.
Criminal charges may be issued against more than just the alleged perpetrator of child abuse. Some people also face the potential of being arrested when they fail to report evidence that mistreatment is occurring. These individuals are known as mandatory reporters.
A mandatory reporter—as the name suggests—is under a legal obligation to notify law enforcement if they believe any form of abuse involving a child is occurring. There is a lengthy list of individuals that qualify as mandatory reporters, including the following:
It is crucial to remember that a person in this position is considered a mandatory reporter at all times—not just when they are working. The failure of these individuals to notify authorities of suspected child abuse is treated as a misdemeanor according to state law. A conviction could result in a year in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000, making it worthwhile to speak with a Carrollton attorney familiar with child abuse laws.
If you are facing allegations of child abuse, you have the right to defend yourself. You are also entitled to legal counsel that could vigorously defend your rights. Given the serious nature of these cases, it is a good idea to seek out a Carrollton child abuse lawyer as soon as possible. Call J. Ryan Brown Law to determine your next steps under the circumstances.
J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC
J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC
