Fort Lauderdale, FL Child Abuse Defense Attorney

Lawyer Defending Against Charges of Child Abuse or Neglect in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Accusations related to child abuse or neglect can be some of the most serious and emotionally devastating allegations a person can face. These charges can not only threaten a person's freedom but also their relationship with their children, family, and community. Law enforcement officials and child protection agencies will often respond swiftly and forcefully to reports of child abuse or neglect, and they may take steps to remove children from a family's home and pursue criminal charges, even if there is limited evidence.

At The Hoffman Firm, our attorney defends people in Fort Lauderdale who have been accused of child abuse, child neglect, and other related offenses. These cases may involve multiple types of complex legal and emotional issues, but we will provide a compassionate defense while fighting aggressively to protect our client's rights. There is a great deal at stake in these cases, including potential incarceration, the loss of parental rights, and long-term damage to a person's reputation and future. To help minimize the impact on a person and family, our attorney will challenge the allegations and present a strong defense.

What Is Considered Child Abuse or Neglect?

There are multiple reasons why a person could be charged with child abuse or child neglect. Under Florida law, child abuse may include actions taken by a person to intentionally cause a child to suffer physical or mental harm. Child neglect may involve the failure to provide the necessary care for a child or supervise the child and ensure that the child is protected against physical and emotional harm. Neglect may involve:

• Failing to provide food, clothing, shelter, or medical care
• Leaving a child unsupervised in dangerous situations
• Failing to protect a child from known risks or hazards

Parents, guardians, relatives, or other adults who are responsible for a child's welfare could be charged with child abuse or neglect.

Situations That May Lead to Charges of Neglect or Abuse

A concerned neighbor, teacher, or healthcare provider may report suspicions of child abuse or neglect to the authorities. These reports could trigger an investigation, and accusations could lead to an arrest for a parent or another adult who is responsible for providing care and supervision for a child. Some situations that could lead to criminal charges of child abuse or neglect include:

• A parent is accused of using physical discipline against a child that someone has interpreted as excessive or abusive.
• A child suffers an injury in the home that authorities believe occurred due to abuse or neglect.
• A parent is accused of leaving a young child home alone.
• A caregiver is accused of failing to provide necessary medical care for a sick or injured child.
• A parent is accused of using drugs in the presence of children.

Charges of child abuse or neglect may be based on witness statements, the opinions of medical professionals, or the testimony of a child. Because of the serious consequences that may apply, immediate legal intervention is crucial to address accusations of neglect or abuse.

Penalties for Child Abuse or Neglect in Florida

If a person is accused of child abuse without causing great bodily harm to a child, they may be charged with a third-degree felony, which could result in a prison sentence of up to five years. Child abuse involving the intentional infliction of great bodily harm, aggravated battery against a child, torture, or malicious punishment is a first-degree felony, and a conviction could lead to a sentence of up to 30 years in prison.

Child neglect in which a child did not suffer great bodily harm is generally classified as a third-degree felony. However, if neglect resulted in great bodily harm to a child, permanent disabilities, or disfigurement, a person could be charged with a second-degree felony, which carries a potential prison sentence of 15 years.

In addition to prison time, a conviction for child abuse or neglect may result in:

• Permanent loss of custody or parental rights
• Mandatory parenting classes or counseling
• Placement on child abuse registries
• Supervised visitation or restricted contact with children
• Collateral consequences in divorce or child custody cases

When Domestic Violence Allegations Can Lead to Child Abuse Charges

In some cases, allegations of domestic violence between adults can lead to separate charges of child abuse or neglect. A child's exposure to domestic violence may be considered a form of harm, particularly if the child witnesses violent acts or is present during a dangerous altercation. Examples of situations where domestic violence allegations may lead to child abuse charges include:

• A child is in the home during a physical altercation between parents or partners.
• A child tries to intervene during a domestic dispute and is injured.
• Law enforcement responds to a domestic violence call and determines that the home is unsafe for children.

Even if a child has not been physically harmed, prosecutors may pursue charges of child neglect based on risks to a child's safety or mental harm caused by exposure to abuse. At The Hoffman Firm, our attorney understands how domestic disputes can quickly escalate into multiple types of criminal charges. We work to defend clients against all allegations that may be related to domestic violence or child abuse.

Defending Against Child Abuse and Neglect Allegations

At The Hoffman Firm, our lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation into allegations of child abuse or neglect. He will work to uncover the truth and build a defense that considers legal concerns and the emotional issues that may be involved in a case. Potential defense strategies may include:

• False Allegations: In some cases, accusations of child abuse may be fabricated during contentious custody battles or family law disputes. Our attorney can take steps to expose motives and highlight inconsistencies in the accuser's statements.
• Accidental Injury: Children can be injured while playing or in falls or other accidents. The presence of an injury alone does not prove that abuse occurred. Our lawyer may present medical evidence or testimony to show a child's injury was not intentional.
• Appropriate Discipline: Parents may engage in reasonable discipline against children. If physical discipline was used within lawful limits, it may not meet the definition of abuse.
• Lack of Intent or Knowledge: To be convicted on charges of child neglect, the accused must have willfully failed to provide care for a child. Our attorney can demonstrate that accusations of neglect are based on misunderstandings, miscommunication, or a lack of awareness rather than intentional actions.

Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Child Abuse and Neglect Lawyer

When addressing charges of child abuse or neglect, you need a defense lawyer who will take your case seriously and fight for your rights. At The Hoffman Firm, we are ready to challenge the accusations against you and help you protect your freedom, your reputation, and your family. Contact our Fort Lauderdale, FL child neglect and abuse attorney at 954-524-4474 to set up a free consultation and begin preparing your defense.