Protect Your Freedom and Reputation by Hiring the Best Crimes Against Children Defense Attorney
Just being accused of a crime against a child can ruin a life. Society is quick to judge and consider a person guilty before evidence has ever been presented. This can lead to losing custodial rights, losing employment, and other serious issues. Once a criminal trial begins, the risk of incarceration is very real. For these and other reasons, it is important to hire an experienced crimes against children defense attorney.
Do not wait – call Simmons Wagner, LLP now at (949) 439-5857 for a consultation.
We Can Help with All Types of Crimes Against Children
No matter what crime you are facing, you can count on Simmons Wagner, LLP to help. This includes charges of:
- Child abuse
- Child neglect
- Child abandonment
- Child pornography
- Sexual abuse
- Sexting with a minor
- Lewd or lascivious acts
- Sexual battery
- Continuous sexual abuse
- Annoying or molesting a minor
- Statutory rape
If you are facing a charge you do not see listed, call us at (949) 439-5857 to learn more about how we can help.
Child Abuse is Prosecuted as a Severe Crime
A conviction for child abuse of any kind is a life-changing conviction. You can count on this being charged as a serious crime. There are strict penalties, complex laws, and lengthy guidelines to get through. Of course the law should protect vulnerable children, but it should also protect the caregivers of children who are wrongfully accused of child abuse. It does not.
Accusations of Crimes Against Children Are Often the Result of Misunderstandings
It is all too common for a misunderstanding to lead to charges of crimes against children. In some cases, the child is making flat out false accusations. It takes a careful hand to handle this situation, as judges and juries generally do not take kindly to aggressive accusations against the child. Instead, you need an attorney who can carefully review the evidence, calmly question the witness, and get to the truth.
Potential Penalties of Child Abuse
There are many crimes against children and the specific penalty for any of them will depend on the specifics of the case, the charges, and the criminal background of the accused. For example, a person accused of child abuse could face felony or misdemeanor charges, depending on how the prosecutor decides to charge the case.
Felony charges are generally brought if the abuse resulted in what the courts consider a “traumatic condition.” Penalties for a felony conviction of child abuse can include:
- Two, four, or six years in prison
- A four-year sentencing enhancement if the accused has a prior conviction for child abuse
- If the child suffers permanent paralysis, dies, or enters a comatose state the defendant can face 25 years to life in prison
A person convicted of misdemeanor child abuse could face:
- Up to one year in jail
- Fines of up to $6,000
Penalties for Child Sexual Abuse
Child sexual abuse is always charged as a felony in California and a conviction can result in:
- Three, six, or eight years in prison
- If force, violence, or another type of intimidation was used the sentence will be five, eight, or ten years
- Fines of up to $10,000
- Lifetime registration as a sex offender
Defense Options for Crimes Against Children
When the public turns against you, and your own family does not believe in your innocence, it can feel as though there are no options left. This is false. There are legal defenses that can be used. Some of the most common defense options for crimes against children include showing that:
- The act was not intentional
- A parent was using their legal right to discipline their child
- The child (or someone else) made up the story and the defendant is being falsely accused
- The injury or abuse occurred but it was not the fault of the defendant
Of course, the specific defense will depend on the particulars of a case and the charges. In some instances, there might be a wealth of evidence, at which point the best option is often to have your attorney aggressively negotiate for the best possible plea deal.
You Deserve to Have Someone on Your Side
It can be a true nightmare to face these charges. It can feel as though everyone is against you. We assure you that this is not true. At Simmons Wagner, LLP we believe everyone deserves a rigorous defense and that is what we can provide for you. We will be on your side from day one. Call us now at (949) 439-5857 to request a consultation.