Child Abuse Lawyers in Tampa, FL

Children are Florida’s most precious resource, so it makes sense that the state would enforce laws that severely penalize child abuse. The line between illegal child abuse and acceptable child-raising is not always clear. Your Tampa child abuse lawyer from Taracks & Associates can ensure overzealous prosecutors and police do not infringe on your rights.

You must push back hard and quickly against child abuse allegations in Tampa. Not only could a conviction land you in prison for several years, but you could be kept from seeing your child. In some cases, you could have your parental rights terminated. The faster you fight back, the greater your chance of preserving your rights. The sooner you involve an experienced criminal defense lawyer, the better your chances of protecting your family, your reputation, and your future.

Tampa Child Abuse and Aggravated Child Abuse Charges

Defining the Crime of Child Abuse in Florida

Florida law distinguishes between simple child abuse and aggravated child abuse that results in great bodily harm or that is committed with a deadly weapon. Simple child abuse is defined as the intentional infliction of a physical or mental injury, threatening any such act, or encouraging someone else to commit such an act.

Aggravated child abuse is charged when these acts are committed, threatened, or encouraged and either a deadly weapon is involved or the child suffers great bodily harm. This offense also applies to acts that result in permanent injuries or disfigurement to the child and intentionally caging or torturing a minor.

You can also face aggravated child abuse charges if you are alleged to have sexually abused a minor, including by producing, sending, or receiving child pornography.

Child Abuse and Neglect Penalties in Tampa

Florida Penalties and Consequences for Child Abuse

 

Simple child abuse is a third-degree felony, which can lead to a prison term of up to eight years. Aggravated child abuse can lead to a maximum prison sentence of 30 years. While a court could place someone convicted of child abuse on probation, this would likely be accompanied by strict conditions, such as:

• No contact with the minor child except under specific circumstances
• Payment of fines and other costs
• Taking parenting or anger management classes
• Obtaining a drug abuse or alcohol abuse evaluation
• Registering as an offender in Florida.

A child abuse investigation or conviction could also lead to charges like domestic violence if you are thought to have abused your partner or some other adult in the home.

Have you been charged with child abuse or neglect in Tampa? Call Taracks & Associates today at 813-281-2897 to go over your situation with a qualified child abuse lawyer.

Responding to Child Abuse Charges

When you are facing a child abuse or neglect charge, the stress of the potential penalties is only compounded by the public stigma you may carry. Your family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers might unfairly judge you based solely on the charge, which can lead to social isolation, shame, and depression. It is critical to resolve child abuse charges promptly.

Every situation is different, but the ways a child abuse attorney will typically defend a client against these charges include:

• Arguing that the actions were lawful parental discipline and not torture or abuse
• Using medical and mental professionals to assess the extent of the child’s injuries
• Showing that the client acted reasonably under the circumstances and did not know their actions or inactions would lead to great harm
• Demonstrating that while the client’s actions might have been thoughtless, they were not criminal
• Contesting the characterization of normal childhood bumps and bruises as intentional acts of child abuse.

Your attorney may rely on one or more experts to help build and present your defense. Your Tampa child abuse lawyer will also identify witnesses and experts that the prosecutor will use to prove the state’s case and explore ways to neutralize such testimony.

FAQs

You might be legitimately confused about your child abuse charges and what they can potentially mean. Questions you might have include:

How serious is a child abuse charge?

Even simple child abuse is a serious charge and should be treated as such. All child abuse offenses can lead to a prison sentence lasting several years. Beyond this, you will likely face additional consequences that impair your ability to be with your child except in certain controlled environments.

Should I explain to the cops that my child just got hurt at school or a friend’s house?

Be careful about speaking to law enforcement without your child abuse lawyer present. Even if your child sustained an injury elsewhere or under innocent circumstances, your police statement can still be used as a basis for filing charges like child neglect. Instead, you should tell law enforcement that you want to speak to your child abuse attorney before making a statement.

What is mandatory reporting of child abuse in Tampa?

Florida law requires certain individuals to report suspected child abuse to authorities. This group of people includes doctors, law enforcement, social workers, religious leaders, and others. Once a report is received, an investigation ensues that could lead to your being formally charged with child abuse.

How is child neglect different than child abuse?

Child abuse involves certain actions that harm a child or threaten them with harm. Neglect involves withholding necessities from a child. Both crimes are felonies and can result in a prison sentence and other consequences.

Rely on advice and information from an experienced child abuse lawyer when you are facing charges. This helps ensure you are making the most informed decisions about responding to these serious allegations.

Why Choose Us?

With decades of experience defending clients in the Tampa area and a background as a prosecutor, your Tampa child abuse attorney at Taracks & Associates is capable of dismantling the state’s child abuse case against you. Cases built on flimsy evidence and wild speculation are no match for your experienced lawyer’s skill and advocacy.

Contact Taracks & Associates Today

Being charged with child abuse can be a frightening and unsettling experience; however, you are not alone in your fight. Reach out to Taracks & Associates and your lawyer will work quickly and effectively to help you regain control of your life.

Schedule a free, no-obligation case review with Taracks & Associates today by calling 813-281-2897.