A criminal charge of child abuse can be filed against you based upon emotional, rather than physical abuse. A report could have been made to the authorities from a teacher, doctor, neighbor, relative or partner, or from the child. Once a report has been made regarding suspected abuse, a Las Vegas child abuse defense attorney knows the wheels of justice are in motion. A child that has bruising, cuts or other injuries could be believed to be a victim of abuse, when there is another explanation unrelated to any type of child abuse.
Nonetheless, now the accused will be in the position of facing charges, being investigated by Child Protective Services, and could lose custody or visitation rights while the criminal case moves through the court system.
Not only is your personal reputation be at stake; your freedom is at risk. The penalties imposed in cases of child abuse can include up to life in prison without the possibility of parole in the most serious cases – those involving sexual assault, abuse or exploitation of a child. In cases in which it is believed that substantial bodily or mental harm has resulted to the child, the prison term is a minimum of 15 years of incarceration in state prison.
Defense Against Child Abuse Charges in Nevada
Any crime involving children can be difficult legally, as the general rule is that people will believe that you are guilty, and that the allegations are true, whether based on fact or not. Although you are innocent until proven guilty, it may not appear to be so in cases involving allegations of child abuse. If you are accused of any crime of child abuse, your first critical action must be to engage the services of a highly qualified Las Vegas criminal defense attorney who is prepared to go the distance to defend you.
At De Castroverde Law Group, we have over 40 years of combined experience at trial, and a Las Vegas child abuse defense attorney is highly dedicated to each defendant. If you are accused of child abuse, the quality of your child abuse lawyer is of great importance. Contact us so we can review the facts in your case, and take the initial actions necessary to protect your rights and freedoms.