Orlando Child Abuse Attorneys
Aggressive Legal Representation
When It Matters Most
If You Have Been Alleged to Commit Child Abuse, You Will Need an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney to Help Navigating That Charge.
What is Child Abuse?
Based on the Florida Statute 827.03, child abuse is the intentional infliction of physical or mental injury upon a child. It is an intentional act that could be reasonably expected to result in physical or mental harm to a child. It can also be an act that encourages a person to commit any form of acts that can result in physical or mental harm to a child. Child abuse can be physical, mental, and psychological. That’s why having a knowledgeable Orlando child abuse lawyer is critical.
Common Types of Child Abuse
Is the intentional use of force to inflict pain on an individual leading to physical injury. These acts typically result in wounds, bruises, burns and fractures to the individual. Especially when there is a pattern amongst the type of injuries that the child receives over a period of time. The signs of physical abuse in children can vary based on the manner in which the child was injured.
Involves the psychological mistreatment of a child. This kind of abuse mostly targets their overall mental statement. Harsh words, shouting, demeaning and embarrassing statements in an attempt to deliberately embarrass or diminish their self-worth. Emotional abuse is a little more challenging to point out in comparison to the other forms of abuse.
Typically constitutes a failure to meet the basic needs and requirements of the child’s overall wellbeing. Neglect can also come in the form of being unavailable to tend to the child even when being physically present. For example, leaving a young child for long periods of time to fend for themselves is a form of neglect. Neglect happens to be the most common form of child abuse. Simply not tending to the basic and mandatory needs of a child within your care can land you in a child abuse charge.
Constitutes forcing or manipulating a child to perform sexual acts or even performing sexual acts on them. Most children are unaware of what is happening and that it is actually a violation and should not be happening to them at all. In many cases, those that do have some form of understanding that what is occurring is inappropriate are actually afraid to speak up. Sexual abuse can happen both physically and virtually. Two forms of sexual abuse are contact and non-contact abuse. Contact being where they are physically touched by the abuser whereas non-contact happens without the child actually being touched by the abuser.
Penalties for Child Abuse In Florida
Depending on the severity and the number of times that an individual has committed the offense the punishment and penalties can vary. In some cases, you may be required to take certain parenting courses, or face investigations to determine your level of fitness to be able to properly care for a child.
3rd Degree Felony
If you are faced with a 3rd degree felony for child abuse and child neglect without aggravating factors you can receive up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
2rd Degree Felony
If you are faced with a 2nd degree felony for child neglect that causes great bodily harm, you can receive up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
If you are faced with a 1st degree felony charge for child abuse that causes great bodily harm you can face up to 30 years in prison with a fine of up to $10,000.
1st Degree Felony
Resolving Child Abuse Claims in Central Florida
- Pre-filing investigations and consultations
- Challenging unreliable witness statements
- Negotiating case dismissals or reduced charges
- Representing you at trial if necessary