CHILD ABUSE

criminal defense lawyer in sacramento

Difference Between California Child Abuse and Child Endangerment Laws

These two terms are often misunderstood and mistaken for being the same but in reality, there’s a big difference. The major difference is that child abuse refers to the physical harming of a minor such as:

• Slapping or hitting a child hard enough to leave marks or bruises
• Beating a child with items such as a belt
• Sexually assaulting minors
• Physically fighting teenagers
• Anything else that leaves some physical injury

It’s important to note that it does not require “great bodily injury” to be considered child abuse. In fact, in order to prove the defendant committed child abuse, three elements need to be established:

1. The defendant willfully inflicted cruel or inhuman physical punishment
2. The punishment caused a traumatic physical condition
3. The act was not reasonable in the realms of acceptable forms of discipline

Each element is pretty broad and open to interpretation, which is why it’s crucial to have a skilled criminal defense lawyer in Sacramento who knows what defenses to take.

Unlike child abuse, child endangerment is much more broad but doesn’t require any physical injury such as:

• Wilfully abandoning or neglecting a child
• Wilfully inflicted or permitted a child to be put in a dangerous situation
• Wilfully inflicted or permitted a child to undergo mental suffering

There is a fine line between what could be considered reasonable discipline and what is physical abuse. Given such intricate complexities, it’s best to speak to a criminal defense lawyer in Sacramento if you’ve been accused of child abuse.

Penalties for Child Abuse Charges in California

Child abuse is considered a “wobbler” in California which means it can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the specifics of the case. If charged as a felony, you could be sentenced up to 6 years in prison. If you have previous child abuse convictions, the prison sentence increases by an additional 4 years. It’s also important to keep in mind that the court may impose additional conditions. Having a trusted criminal defense lawyer in Sacramento on your side can make all the difference for your freedom and reputation.

Possible Legal Defenses to Child Abuse Charges

If you’ve been accused of child abuse, you might feel emotionally exhausted and hopeless but there are certain defenses you can take! Just because you’ve been accused, does not mean you are guilty and it’s important a criminal defense lawyer in Sacramento explains which defenses are most applicable to your case. Some common defenses used are:

• The allegations are not true
• The injuries were a result of something other than abuse
• The act was within your right to discipline
• You accidentally or did not willfully intend to injury the child

Each case is different and only an experienced law firm will know how to handle your situation.

Call Criminal Defense Lawyer in Sacramento

The stakes in child abuse cases are incredibly high. The consequences of a conviction extend beyond legal penalties, affecting your family relationships, employment opportunities, and social standing. Given what’s at risk, it’s essential to act promptly and secure experienced legal representation.

If you or someone you know has been arrested and charged with child abuse in Sacramento County, California, don’t wait to seek legal assistance. The earlier we can start working on your case, the better positioned we’ll be to develop a strong defense strategy. Contact the experienced criminal defense lawyers at the Law Office of Wing & Parisi today. Our team is ready to listen to your story, evaluate your case, and provide you with the legal guidance and representation you need.

Give us a call at (916) 441-4888 to speak to a criminal defense lawyer in Sacramento.

Contact criminal attorney in Sacramento

When you have been charged with a crime, choose a criminal attorney in Sacramento with the experience and dedication to make a difference. The Law Office of Wing & Parisi is dedicated to provide exceptional customer service and excellent legal representation for those charged with any type of crime.

Whether it’s your first charge or your second, you need a dedicated and skilled attorney by your side. Contact us online or call at (916) 441-4888 for a free and confidential case consultation, available in Spanish. We appear in state and federal courts in the Sacramento and Davis communities as well as throughout Placer and San Joaquin counties.