Orlando Child Abuse Attorney
Defending Clients for Over 20 Years
What This Page Covers:
- Serious Consequences: Child abuse charges in Florida carry severe penalties, including long prison sentences, hefty fines, and lasting damage to personal relationships and reputation.
- Types of Abuse: Under Florida law, child abuse includes physical or mental injury, neglect, and failing to protect a child from harm.
- Legal Defenses: Potential defenses include insufficient evidence, parental right to discipline, and lack of intent to cause harm.
- The Wiseman Law Firm: With over 20 years of experience, we provide compassionate support and strategic defense for clients facing child abuse charges.
Facing child abuse charges is a situation that no one wants to be in. It can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, especially with the serious penalties and consequences that a conviction can bring. In Florida, the criminal justice system takes these cases very seriously.
That’s why it’s crucial to have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. At The Wiseman Law Firm, we understand the fear and uncertainty involved in these legal battles. If you’re facing child abuse charges in Orlando, our child abuse lawyer is ready to provide you with zealous, knowledgeable, and trusted legal guidance. We are committed to fighting for your rights and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case.
Are you facing child abuse charges? Reach out to our Orlando child abuse lawyer today to request a consultation. Dial 407-420-4647 or contact us online!
Child Abuse Laws in Florida
Under Florida Statute 827.03, child abuse is the “intentional infliction of physical or mental injury to a child” or actively encouraging another individual “to commit an act that results or could reasonably be expected to result in physical or mental injury to a child.”
In addition, child neglect is also considered abuse under Florida law. Child neglect includes not providing a child with adequate care, supervision, and services necessary for their physical and mental well-being.
This includes but is not limited to the following:
- Food
- Nutrition
- Clothing
- Shelter
- Supervision
- Medication
- Medical services
Child neglect also encompasses a caregiver’s failure to protect a child from neglect, abuse, or exploitation by another individual.
Florida Child Abuse Penalties
In Florida, any form of child abuse is considered a felony. This means that a conviction could result in severe penalties with long imprisonment times and hefty fines.
Child abuse penalties include:
- Child negligence without great bodily harm: Third degree felony, up to five years in prison and/or fines up to $5,000.
- Child abuse without aggravating factors: Third degree felony, up to five years in prison and/or fines up to $5,000.
- Child neglect that causes great bodily harm: Second degree felony, up to 15 years in prison and/or fines up to $10,000.
- Aggravated child abuse: First degree felony, up to 30 years in prison and/or fines up to $10,000.
The consequences of a conviction can be life-changing, affecting your freedom and future opportunities. This is why it is important to have the right legal representation on your side. At The Wiseman Law Firm, we understand the gravity of this situation and can help. Our experienced attorney can provide the guidance and advocacy you need to navigate the legal system and fight for a favorable outcome.
Is Slapping Considered Child Abuse?
According to Florida Statute 39.01(2), parents have the right to reasonably discipline their children. This is known as corporal punishment and is not considered child abuse as long as the child is not harmed.
If you were accused of child abuse, it can be a frustrating and worrying situation for anyone to be in. However, our team can help protect your rights. Let us fight for you and work toward a justified resolution.
Defenses Against Child Abuse
Our child abuse lawyer in Orlando understands that each case is unique. When you work with our team, we can take the time to listen closely to your story, investigate all the details surrounding your case, and create a personalized defense.
Possible defenses can include:
- Insufficient evidence of abuse
- Parental right to discipline children
- You did not expect your actions to cause injury
- The harm was not inflicted by you
- And more
With our approach, we can formulate a strong defense that is tailored to your specific situation, giving you a better chance of achieving a favorable outcome.
The Potential Impact of a Child Abuse Conviction in Florida
From irreparable damage to personal relationships to significant legal and societal consequences, the impact of a child abuse conviction can be life-altering. At The Wiseman Law Firm, we understand the gravity of these consequences and are committed to providing compassionate support and strategic advocacy to clients facing child abuse charges. Potential ramifications of a child abuse conviction in Florida could include:
Damage to Personal Relationships
A child abuse conviction can strain or sever relationships with family members, friends, and loved ones. Accusations of child abuse may lead to mistrust, alienation, and social ostracization, causing profound emotional distress and isolation.
Psychological Toll
The stigma and shame associated with being labeled a child abuser can take a significant toll on an individual’s mental health and well-being. Feelings of guilt, shame, and self-doubt may persist long after the legal proceedings have concluded, exacerbating existing psychological challenges and hindering emotional recovery.
Criminal Penalties
Child abuse convictions in Florida carry severe criminal penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and probation. Depending on the nature and severity of the offense, individuals convicted of child abuse may face lengthy prison sentences and substantial financial penalties, further exacerbating the economic and emotional strain.
Loss of Civil Liberties
In addition to criminal penalties, child abuse convictions can result in the loss of certain civil liberties, such as the right to bear arms or vote. These collateral consequences can further impede an individual’s ability to reintegrate into society and rebuild their life following a conviction.
Impact on Employment
A child abuse conviction can have devastating consequences for one’s professional prospects and career trajectory. Many employers conduct background checks as part of the hiring process, and a criminal record for child abuse may disqualify individuals from certain job opportunities or licensure requirements.
Financial Hardship
The financial ramifications of a child abuse conviction can be substantial, extending beyond fines imposed by the court to include legal fees, restitution payments, and income lost due to incarceration or restricted employment opportunities.
Stigmatization and Social Isolation
Individuals convicted of child abuse often face social stigmatization and ostracization within their communities. Public perception of child abusers as dangerous or morally reprehensible individuals may result in isolation, harassment, or discrimination, further exacerbating the challenges of reintegration into society.
Loss of Trust and Reputation
A child abuse conviction can irreparably damage an individual’s reputation and standing within their community. Whether in professional, educational, or social spheres, the label of “child abuser” can undermine trust and credibility, making it difficult to rebuild relationships and establish a positive reputation.
How The Wiseman Law Firm Can Help
At The Wiseman Law Firm, we recognize the gravity of child abuse accusations and the profound impact they can have on your life. With over two decades of experience defending clients against criminal charges in Central Florida, Attorney Simon Wiseman is prepared to stand by your side and fight tirelessly to protect your rights and future.
Initial Consultation
We understand every case is unique, which is why we begin with a confidential consultation to discuss the details of your situation. During this initial meeting, our compassionate attorneys will listen attentively to your concerns, answer any questions you may have, and outline potential legal strategies moving forward.
Thorough Case Evaluation
Upon retaining our services, we conduct a comprehensive assessment of your case, meticulously examining the evidence, witness statements, and other pertinent factors. This allows us to develop a personalized defense strategy tailored to the specifics of your situation.
Crafting a Strong Defense
Drawing upon our extensive experience and legal skills, we formulate a robust defense strategy aimed at challenging the prosecution’s case and advocating vigorously on your behalf. Whether it involves disputing the evidence presented, challenging the credibility of witnesses, or exploring potential legal defenses, we leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice.
Negotiating With Prosecutors
In some cases, reaching a favorable resolution outside of the courtroom may be possible through plea negotiations or alternative dispute resolution methods. Attorney Wiseman leverages his insight and experience to pursue the most favorable outcome for his clients, striving to minimize the potential consequences of child abuse charges.
Courtroom Advocacy
Should your case proceed to trial, you can trust Attorney Wiseman to provide steadfast advocacy in the courtroom. With a track record of success in complex criminal cases and experience as a former prosecutor, he is prepared to defend your rights and interests before judge and jury vigorously.
Compassionate Support
Throughout every stage of the legal process, we provide compassionate support and guidance, keeping you informed and empowered to make informed decisions about your case. We understand the emotional toll facing criminal charges for child abuse can take, and we are here to offer unwavering support and reassurance.
Contact Our Orlando Child Abuse Lawyer
When you’re facing child abuse charges, every aspect of your life may feel like it’s on the line. Not only are your personal relationships with your family at stake, but the potential consequences could drastically alter your future. If convicted, you could face years in prison and be forced to pay hefty fines. All of this underscores the importance of having a skilled criminal defense attorney on your side.
At The Wiseman Law Firm, we’re dedicated to providing our clients with quality legal representation. With our knowledge of the law and extensive experience, you can trust us to fight for you and work tirelessly to pursue a favorable outcome for your case.
Reach out to us today by dialing 407-420-4647 or filling out our form online.
