Kendall Aggravated Child Abuse Lawyers: Defending Your Rights and Building a Strong Case
Being accused of aggravated child abuse in Kendall can be an incredibly frightening and stressful experience. As a parent, your top priority is protecting your child, so facing criminal charges related to harming them is understandably devastating. However, it’s important to remember that just because you’ve been accused does not necessarily mean you are guilty. Having an experienced Kendall aggravated child abuse lawyer on your side can make all the difference.
Understanding the Charges
Aggravated child abuse is a very serious first-degree felony in Florida, carrying up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted. Prosecutors may pursue these charges if a child suffered severe physical or emotional damage due to abuse or neglect. Some common circumstances that could lead to an aggravated child abuse charge include:
- Repeatedly beating or physically harming a child, causing severe bruising, burns, broken bones, etc.
- Withholding food, water, medical care or other necessities, leading to malnutrition, dehydration, untreated illnesses/injuries
- Leaving a young child unattended for an extended period, putting them in danger
- Exposing a child to illegal drugs or other hazardous/unsanitary living conditions
- Committing or allowing sexual abuse of a child
- Psychological abuse such as confinement, verbal assaults, threats of violence
The key factors are that the abuse was intentional or extremely reckless, resulting in great bodily harm or disfigurement. It goes beyond “reasonable” corporal punishment.
Common Defenses Against Aggravated Abuse Charges
While these charges are certainly serious, there are often strong defenses that an experienced lawyer can use to fight them. Some strategies we may employ include:
- No evidence of harm – If the punishment did not actually injure the child or leave lasting damage, it will be difficult to prove abuse occurred. We can argue your actions were reasonable discipline, not criminal abuse.
- False allegations – Bitter custody disputes, marital problems, or misunderstandings can sometimes lead to false claims of child abuse. We will thoroughly investigate for any ulterior motives.
- Lack of intent – If the injury was a genuine accident and you had no intent to harm the child, then aggravated abuse charges are inappropriate. Our lawyers will advocate for more suitable negligence charges instead.
- Mistaken identity – You may have an alibi proving you could not have committed the alleged abuse. We can demonstrate the accusations are mistaken.
- Self-defense – If the child was violently out of control and you acted to protect yourself or others from harm, we may be able to claim justified self-defense.
Our Approach to Defending Clients like You
At our firm, we recognize how devastating and life-altering aggravated child abuse charges can be. That’s why we fight aggressively to protect our clients’ rights and secure the best possible outcome in their cases.
We take the time to listen and understand the full context surrounding the allegations. Oftentimes there are misunderstandings or complex family dynamics at play.
Our experienced lawyers work diligently to investigate the claims, searching for any weaknesses or inconsistencies. We also bring in child psychology experts when needed to evaluate the possibility of false memories or coaching.
Throughout the process, we keep clients informed and involved. We know you want to protect your child, not harm them, so we develop defense strategies with that core value in mind.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
If you or a loved one are facing accusations of aggravated child abuse in Kendall, do not delay in seeking experienced legal representation. The lawyers at [Firm Name] are here to help – call [phone] or contact us online to schedule a free, confidential case evaluation. This is your chance to tell your side. Let our decades of experience work in your favor.