San Francisco Child Abuse Lawyer

If you believe your child has suffered abuse, you should speak to a child abuse lawyer San Francisco, CA residents trust. Abuse occurs when a child’s parent or guardian inflicts physical or emotional injuries upon the child. An experienced lawyer can help your child receive the justice he or she deserves.

Types of Child Abuse

• Physical Abuse: Physical abuse refers to any physical injuries upon children. Types of physical abuse include punching, kicking, burning, slapping and shaking.
• Mental Abuse: Mental abuse occurs when a parent or guardian behaves in a way to negatively affect a child’s psychological development. Types of mental abuse include teasing, name calling, making threats and making demeaning remarks.
• Neglect: Neglect occurs when a parent or guardian doesn’t provide a child with basic needs, including food, clothing and shelter. It’s also considered neglect when a child doesn’t receive required medical care and proper schooling. The parents of neglected children aren’t always poor and can actually be financially well-off.
• Sexual Abuse: Since children can’t consent to sex, any type of sexual activity with a minor is considered abuse. Children can be sexually abused by both adults and other children. Types of sexual abuse include committing sexual acts with a child, exposing yourself to a child and sexually exploiting a child.

Penalties for Child Abuse

Depending on the type of harm inflicted on a child, the penalties can vary. The penalties may include:

• Jail Time: As a child abuse lawyer in San Francisco, CA can confirm, those who are convicted of child abuse often have to spend time in jail. If it’s a misdemeanor conviction, defendants can spend up to a year behind bars. On the other hand, if it’s a felony, they may spend 10 or more years locked up.
• Fines: Many states also impose fines for child abuse. Defendants may be ordered to pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
• Other Penalties: Judges may use several other types of legal recourse to punish those convicted of child abuse, such as limiting parental visitations, requiring therapy or removing a parent’s rights from the child.

It is against the law to cause physical harm to children, as a San Francisco, CA child abuse lawyer is well aware. With that being said though, what is deemed physical harm is up for debate. Corporal punishment is unlawful in the state of California, but how much punishment is deemed excessive? What if the injury was an accident? And what if the injury was not a direct cause of your actions? Since there are gray areas regarding child abuse, it is worth talking with a criminal defense lawyer about your situation. Allegations of child abuse should always be taken seriously, even if they don’t result in criminal charges, as there is a social stigma that can still follow someone just by being accused without proof or validity. If you have been accused of abusing a child, please contact us at the Morales Law Firm.

The crime of child abuse punishes the person who acted in a way that caused injury to a child. To be convicted of this offense, the prosecution has to show that certain facts were true, or in other words, elements of the crime. As a San Francisco child abuse lawyer explains, by law, corporal injury on a child has the following elements:

1. You had willfully inflicted inhuman or cruel physical punishment to a minor. The definition of what is inhuman or cruel is actually not specified. What this means is that the interpretation of so is left to the jury.
2. The injury or punishment caused the child to sustain a traumatic physical condition. Traumatic conditions are any type of wound, minor or serious, that resulted from the use of physical force.
3. When you engaged in the act, you were not using reasonable discipline in your manner. This includes confinement, spanking, or sending a child to bed without dinner. But because there is no legal definition, assessing what is reasonable discipline or not is again left up to the jury.

In the state of California, child abuse may be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or felony, based on criminal history and facts of the case. For a misdemeanor, child abuse may be punishable by up to $6,000 in fines and a year in jail. It is possible to get a misdemeanor probation for child abuse. At minimum, the term would be 3 years, which often entails conditions like undergoing mandatory treatment sessions, not contacting the victim, and at request random drug testing. If you have prior child abuse convictions, unless you completed serving your sentence many years ago, it could have an influence on the verdict of your case now.

If you need assistance after a child abuse accusation, now is the time to contact a San Francisco child abuse lawyer. Do not wait to consult with a criminal defense team until moments before your trial. You need a lawyer that can devise an effective defense strategy. The consequences for a conviction can be criminal and impact your reputation. Contact us at Morales Law Firm as soon as possible.

Hiring a Lawyer

Proving child abuse can be very complex, so it’s important to work with an experienced domestic violence lawyer in San Francisco, CA. He or she will help you gather the necessary evidence to prove your case and ensure your child’s legal rights are protected. Your lawyer will handle all communication between the defendant’s lawyer and take a lot of stress off your back.

If you believe your child is the victim of abuse, you should schedule a consultation with a child abuse lawyer in San Francisco, CA today.

San Francisco Child Abuse FAQ

Accusations of child abuse can turn your world upside down. At Morales Law Firm, we understand the stress, fear, and uncertainty such allegations bring. Whether you’re a parent, guardian, or caregiver, these accusations can affect your family, reputation, and future. With Christopher Morales and Sylvia Palma on your side, you gain an experienced legal team committed to defending your rights and telling your side of the story.

What does a child abuse lawyer do?

A child abuse lawyer represents individuals accused of harming a child physically, emotionally, or sexually. Cases can range from unfounded accusations to misunderstandings involving complex family dynamics. At Morales Law Firm, our team dedicates itself to protecting the rights of our clients while ensuring all relevant evidence is thoroughly reviewed. Christopher Morales, a California Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist, has extensive experience defending clients in these challenging cases.

Who is affected by child abuse allegations?

Allegations of child abuse, including child molestation charges, impact more than just the accused. Families, schools, and communities often feel the ripple effects. We’ve seen how these accusations can disrupt relationships, custody arrangements, and employment opportunities. Whether the allegations stem from misunderstandings or more serious circumstances, having a strong defense is vital.

Why is an experienced defense critical?

The consequences of a child abuse conviction are severe. These can include jail time, fines, and loss of custody or visitation rights. An experienced attorney like Christopher Morales provides more than just courtroom representation; he offers a way to fight back against the potentially life-altering consequences. Alongside Sylvia Palma, whose investigative skills uncover crucial details, we work to uncover the truth and present a compelling defense against your child abuse charges.

How do we approach child abuse cases?

Every case is different, which is why we begin with a comprehensive review of the facts. We listen carefully to our clients and examine every piece of evidence, from witness statements to medical reports. Sylvia Palma’s background in sensitive investigations often reveals key insights that others might overlook. Together, we focus on crafting a defense that speaks to the unique circumstances of each client’s case.

Why is it so important to act quickly?

When facing child abuse allegations, timing is critical. Evidence can fade, and witnesses’ memories may weaken. By contacting Morales Law Firm early, you allow us to begin building your defense immediately. We know the stakes are high, and we work quickly to protect your future and reputation.

What Sets Morales Law Firm Apart

Christopher Morales brings unparalleled courtroom experience, honed through decades of defending clients across California. As a certified specialist in criminal law, he has been recognized for his dedication and success. Meanwhile, Sylvia Palma’s investigative expertise ensures no stone is left unturned. Her ability to connect with witnesses in challenging situations provides a strong foundation for many of our cases.

Client Review

“I have had the pleasure of working alongside Mr. Morales. He is an excellent attorney who is well regarded in the legal community for his skill, experience, and zealous advocacy.”
Valery N