Child Abuse and Neglect

child abuse and neglect

Charges of child abuse and neglect are very serious and need to be aggressively defended. Intentionally or negligently harming a child is a serious crime, but all too often there is a rush to judgment in these unfortunate cases. People who become targets for false accusations find themselves navigating a legal minefield where anything they say can be twisted and used against them. Also, the definitions of abuse and neglect can be broadly interpreted. The best chance to minimize the potential damage of abuse and neglect charges is a swift and certain defense by an experienced criminal defense attorney. Call 407-644-2466 for a free consultation with the Rivas Law Firm.

Florida Child Abuse and Neglect Law

Florida Statute 827.03 defines Child Abuse as the “Intentional infliction of physical or mental injury upon a child.” But people sometimes make accusations against conscientious parents or caregivers who may have made a bad decision under stressful circumstances. Perhaps an overburdened mother accidentally left a gate unlocked. Or maybe the everyday stress of making a living and raising a family led to cruel remarks or regrettable actions. Although the charges are most often brought against parents and caregivers, anyone who is seen as having brought harm to a child can be charged.

The law defines “Neglect of a child” as:

  1. A caregiver’s failure or omission to provide a child with the care, supervision, and servicesnecessarytomaintainthechild’sphysicalandmentalhealth,including,butnot limited to, food, nutrition, clothing, shelter, supervision, medicine, and medical services that a prudent person would consider essential for the well-being of the child;or
  2. Acaregiver’sfailuretomakeareasonableefforttoprotectachildfromabuse, neglect, or exploitation by anotherperson.

Defense Against Child Abuse and Neglect Charges in Florida

Prosecutors have wide discretion in these cases. Conviction on child neglect or abuse charges is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison, plus probation and a $5,000 fine. If the case involves serious injuries of a young child, a prosecutor may bring more serious charges. Aggravated Child Abuseis a first-degree felony with a sentence of 30 years in prison. Aggravated Child Neglectis a second-degree felony that carries a 15-year prison sentence.

There are many ways that an experienced criminal defense lawyer can fight child abuse and child neglect charges. For instance, to convict someone of aggravated abuse or neglect, a prosecutor must prove that a defendant acted willfully and maliciously. In other words, it may come down to a matter of intent, which could be difficult to prove. Also, in certain situations, a jury may be informed that “It is not a crime for a parent or a person who is acting in place of a parent of a child to impose reasonable physical discipline on a child for misbehavior under the circumstances even though physical injury resulted from the discipline.”

A good lawyer will thoroughly investigate your situation and wage a vigorous defense tailored to the unique circumstances of your case. If you’ve been charged with a crime in Florida, you’ll want the best criminal defense lawyer you can get. Consider the Orlando Criminal Defense Lawyers at the Rivas Law firm. Call 407-644-2466 for a free consultation.

Crimes Against Children defense attorney

Child Abuse and Neglect

Intentionally or negligently harming a child is a serious crime, and all too often there is a rush to judgment in these unfortunate cases.

Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor

Covered under the laws pertaining to the abuse of children, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor is generally defined as helping or encouraging someone under 18 years old to break the law in some way.

Failure to Report Child Abuse

According to Florida law, if you know about or suspect that a child is being abused you are required to report it to the Florida Abuse Hotline of the Department of Children and Families.

Leaving A Child Alone in a Car

In Florida, it’s against the law to leave a child under six years old alone in a car for more than 15 minutes (or for any amount of time if the car is running.)

Possession of Child Pornography

Being charged with Possession of Child Pornography in Florida calls for an aggressive defense because of the devastating impact on one’s life and livelihood.

Providing Alcohol to a Minor

Whether it’s a kid in the parking lot asking you to buy him a six-pack, or teenagers drinking at a party at your house, making alcohol available to anyone under 21 years old is against the law.

Soliciting a Child for Unlawful Sex

The state aggressively prosecutes Soliciting a Child for Unlawful Sex charges in Florida and metes out harsh penalties.

Questions?

Ask a Question, Describe Your Case or Schedule a Free Consultation:

Jose Rivas and His Team Have Been Seen On: