Child Abuse

Child abuse can include the sexual abuse, emotional abuse or physical abuse of a child. It may involve any act or failure to act that results in harm to a child, whether physical or emotional. Placing a child at risk of harm may be considered a form of child abuse, even if the alleged offender did not personally injure the child. Child abuse may also include the neglect of a child by his or her legal guardian. This is often considered a form of domestic violence as it may occur between family or household members.

Almost any person who deals with children on a regular basis may be at risk of facing child abuse allegations, whether it is a parent, guardian, foster parent, teacher, coach, babysitter or person who works at a daycare center. False accusations may be made for reasons of anger or jealousy, or even in an attempt to gain custody of a child. An innocent act may also be misinterpreted by an overprotective parent or caregiver. Whatever the circumstances at hand, a defendant may be in danger of facing serious penalties if convicted.

Criminal Charges for Child Abuse are Serious

Child abuse charges are taken very seriously throughout the U.S. Penalties are severe and will often involve jail time for the offender, if he or she is convicted. Particularly when continued child abuse is involved, an individual may face a long state prison sentence as well as other penalties. The specific sentence may vary depending on the jurisdiction, as every state has varying child abuse laws. The circumstances of the case, the type of abuse, the defendant's criminal record and the extent of injury the child experienced may also influence what penalties are enforced.

Learn more about child abuse and how an attorney can help if you've been accused of this crime. Click here to find a criminal defense lawyer.