Contact a Riverside County Criminal Defense Attorney Today
There are few criminal accusations more serious or damaging to your reputation than child abuse and neglect. Oftentimes charged in tandem with allegations of domestic violence, cases involving the illegal mistreatment of a child are frequently prosecuted with tenacity, requiring the expertise of a trained advocate in order to be successfully defended against.
At The Law Office of H. Charles Gorian, we understand the severity of the charges you face and can provide the aggressive representation you need to guard your rights and future.
Why trust our team with your case? Consider the following:
- Proven history of case victories
- Highly praised by past clients
- More than 50 years of combined legal experience
- Personalized, one-on-one attention
Call (951) 395-0511 or contact our office online today to discuss your defense options in detail.
What Is the Difference Between Child Abuse and Neglect?
The crime of child abuse in California is broadly defined in the Penal Code to include any sort of cruelty inflicted on a child, including physical abuse, sexual assault or exploitation, or psychological torment.
Child abuse is charged as a “wobbler,” meaning that depending on the specific facts of your case and your criminal history, it may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony.
While the maximum sentence for misdemeanor child abuse is one year in jail, felony child abuse can carry two, four, or six years in prison – with even longer sentences reserved for repeat offenders.
Neglectfully failing to provide a child with the necessary care, food, clothing, shelter, or medical care to the point where it endangers their well-being for reasons other than poverty is similarly prohibited. This is known as child neglect. Unlike child abuse and child endangerment, neglect can be committed by a parent who has rarely or never had contact with his or her child.
Child neglect is a misdemeanor in most cases, carrying the following penalties upon conviction:
- Up to one year in county jail
- Up to $2,000 in fines
- Probation
Call (951) 395-0511 today to schedule a free and confidential consultation with our criminal defense attorney.
Common Defenses to Child Abuse & Neglect
In addition to possible criminal consequences, child abuse and neglect charges can also cause you to possibly lose custody of your child to Child Protective Services (CPS). Our attorneys can review the circumstances of your situation and craft a custom-tailored defense on your behalf, ensuring your rights are guarded during this difficult time.
Possible strategies to be used on your behalf:
- The allegations are false
- You did not intentionally injure the child
- The child’s injuries were caused by something other than abuse
- You acted within your rights to discipline your child
- You lacked the economic resources necessary to care for your child
Let Us Protect Your Rights to Your Child
At The Law Office of H. Charles Gorian, we truly believe that you are innocent until proven guilty. We understand what’s at stake in your case and are equipped with the knowledge and resources to ensure no stone is left unturned in your defense. From negotiating with the prosecution for a reduction or your charges to tenaciously advocating on your behalf at trial, our firm is prepared to stand by your side and make every effort to protect your and your children’s well-being.
You have no time to waste. Fill out an online form today to get started towards regaining the premier-quality advocacy you need.