Child Abuse Lawyer Phoenix

Defending Against Child Abuse Charges in Arizona

Facing child abuse charges can be a frightening and upsetting experience. Your reputation can be damaged forever if you are convicted, as well as dealing with possible jail or prison time, loss of the ability to spend time with your children without a chaperone in the future. These charges could be based on an accusation from an ex in a bitter divorce battle.

In some cases the accusations are completely unfounded, but the individual is forced to defend themselves in court. With the assistance of a Phoenix child abuse defense lawyer, it may be possible to avoid conviction. The Knowles Law Firm, PLC legal team has successfully defended numerous clients charged with this serious criminal offense and would like to review the details of your case to determine how to best move forward with your defense.

Types of Child Abuse Allegations

Child abuse charges can arise when someone reports that a child's physical and emotional well-being is in danger. Parents, caretakers, teachers, or other household members can be charged with child abuse.

Child abuse accusations can often take many forms, including:

• Physical abuse, such as shaking, hitting, or other physical harm
• Emotional abuse, including using degrading or vulgar language
• Neglect, such as leaving a child unsupervised or neglecting a child's basic medical care or hygiene
• Abandonment, including failing to provide reasonable support
• Sexual abuse, such as inappropriate touching

Depending on your situation, in addition to child abuse charges, you could potentially be facing related criminal charges that could include endangering the welfare of a child, statutory sexual assault, etc.

Penalties for Child Abuse in Arizona

It is a serious matter to be charged with this offense; depending on the actual accusations, there could be penalties that include years spent in state prison.

Child sexual abuse is divided into categories:

• Category 1 situations involve a person who has custody of the child, yet allowed their life or health to be endangered.
  • If the abuse is done intentionally or knowingly, it can be charged as a Class 2 felony
  • If the victim is under 15 years old
  • If the abuse was committed recklessly, it can be charged as a Class 3 felony
  • If the abuse was committed with criminal negligence, it can be a Class 4 felony
• Category 2 situations involve situations where the child was not likely to be seriously injured, but may have suffered an injury of abuse
  • Acts done intentionally or knowingly are a Class 4 felony
  • Acts done recklessly are a Class 5 felony
  • Acts with criminal negligence at a Class 6 felony

Fighting such charges can be complex. There have been countless cases in which the children were influenced by a vindictive ex-partner and the charges were completely unfounded. You need a seasoned attorney who can help you navigate the complexities of these allegations.

Your Rights & Reputation Are At Stake

There are few charges that can destroy your reputation more thoroughly than a child abuse offense. The society at large looks on these crimes with loathing and you may have suffered some of the effects of this when dealing with law enforcement personnel during the arrest. It is extremely crucial to have skilled legal representation to any child abuse accusations. The legal team from Knowles Law Firm, PLC will fight aggressively to defend clients who have been accused of this crime.

It is strongly advised that you contact the firm as soon after the arrest as possible if you are charged with the crime.