Child abuse accusations can devastate an entire family. Because much of the evidence used in child abuse cases is intangible or tenuous, those who have been accused are vulnerable to false or exaggerated charges. For this and various other reasons, it is important that the accused seek the legal counsel of a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney who can help to mitigate or clear the charges.
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What constitutes child abuse?
Almost any type of mistreatment of a child can be considered child abuse. However, child abuse is generally defined as any act by a parent or caretaker against a child that results in physical injury, emotional harm, or exploitation. Child abuse can also include the failure to prevent harm from befalling a child. There are four types of child abuse:
- Neglect - the failure to provide a child with basic needs, like food, water, shelter, medical treatment, education, guidance, and emotional care.
- Physical abuse - physically injuring a child by striking, biting, shaking, throwing, choking, burning, or otherwise harming a child’s body
- Emotional abuse - behavior that impairs a child’s sense of self-worth or emotional development including rejection, excessive criticism, threats, humiliation, or the withholding of love or support
- Sexual abuse activities including sexually touching a child’s genitals, incest, rape, penetration, exposing the child to pornography, exposing oneself to the child, or creating pornography with the child in it
The Consequences of a Child Abuse Conviction
The penalties and consequences of a child abuse conviction depend on a number of factors including prior convictions, the severity of the alleged child abuse, and the number of claimed instances of abuse. Common penalties include:
- Loss of child custody
- Probation
- Heavy fines
- Time in prison
It takes an attorney with the confidence and experience of a former prosecutor to properly deal with authorities when it comes to defending you against criminal charges. If you have been accused or charged with such a crime, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Bellizia immediately. Criminal matters are not problems that will go away when ignored. Early intervention in criminal matters, may achieve outstanding results, and will be instrumental to the outcome of your case.
When you call us, you will get an immediate response. Mr. Bellizia and his staff are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, holidays and weekends included. Please do not hesitate to contact us now to arrange a free consultation.