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.
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.
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
