ACCUSED OF CHILD ABUSE IN SAN BERNARDINO OR RIVERSIDE COUNTY?

Kassel and Kassel We know how to defend child abuse charges, and we make them prove it beyond a shadow of a doubt.

SAN BERNARDINO/REDLANDS CHILD ABUSE DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

Child Abuse and Related Laws in California

Child abuse is a serious offense in California and can include a broad range of harmful activities or omissions of care directed at minors. These offenses can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the circumstances of the situation. Penalties for a conviction of child abuse or a related crime can result in jail or prison terms, fines, probation, and other court sanctions, such as restraining orders and more. Furthermore, your reputation, family relations, other personal relationships, and professional opportunities can be seriously damaged upon a conviction. You may be judged by society at the mere accusation of such an offense which can be devastating.

For all of these reasons, you should act immediately when accused of any type of child abuse by hiring a trusted defense attorney. If you live or work in San Bernardino, Redlands, Rancho Cucamonga, Riverside, Victorville, Banning, or the surrounding areas, you can turn to Kassel and Kassel for dedicated legal help. As your local, professional criminal defense team, we bring 30 years of experience to bear on your investigation or charges. Our AV Preeminent® Rating by Martindale-Hubbell® reflects the outstanding quality of our experience, knowledge, training, and service to the community. We offer free, initial consultations and make payment plans available so that you can have access to a seasoned and committed defense lawyer.

Accused of child abuse? Get the legal guidance you need from a San Bernardino/Redlands child abuse defense lawyer at (909) 792-6455. Hablamos español.

What is Considered Child Abuse?

In California, child abuse is considered to consist of any type of cruelty directed at a child. This can include:

• Physical abuse, which can include assault and battery or any type of bodily injury, such as willful cruelty, excessive or unjustifiable physical or corporal punishment
• Sexual abuse, which includes victimizing a child through such behavior as molestation, indecent exposure, rape, incest, or sexual fondling
• Emotional abuse which consists of mistreatment that is not physical; willful causation of the mental or emotional suffering of a child which can result in disturbed behavior by the child
• Neglect, which involves negligence by a parent or caretaker in providing shelter, food, clothing, supervision, or other necessities for the child’s welfare
• Severe neglect, which involves neglect that leads to a serious condition, such as malnutrition
• Exploitation, in which a child is forced into engaging in activities beyond his or her understanding or which are illegal
• Child endangerment, which involves putting a child in a dangerous situation or allowing the child to be injured or suffer unjustifiable pain or mental anguish

California includes mandatory laws that require those in professions dealing with children, such as teachers, coaches, child care workers, and social service workers, to report any incidents in which they suspect abuse may have occurred.

What are the Penalties for Child Abuse in California?

How you are charged in any case of child abuse will depend on the type of offense, extent of injury involved to the child, your previous convictions, if any, and any other aggravating factors. If charged with a misdemeanor, you will face up to a year in jail and/or fines of up to $6,000. Felony child abuse convictions can lead to two, four, or six years in jail and fines of up to $6,000. If you have a prior child abuse felony conviction, your jail time may be extended an additional four years.

You will also face probation upon release which is generally for three years and may be ordered to complete a child abuser’s treatment program which may be in play for up to a year. You may also be subject to a restraining order (protective order) which prohibits any future abuse against the child and may include a stay-away order involving no contact with the child. In case where substance abuse has led to the child abuse offense, you may be subject to random testing.

Secure Proven Legal Representation with Kassel and Kassel

Our firm stands ready to protect your legal rights, ensure that you are treated fairly throughout the duration of the criminal process, and to work diligently in pursuit of your best interests and optimum outcome. To that end, we will apply all of our extensive legal understanding, skills, and resources as your advocate from start to finish.