Are you facing a child abuse charge in Glendale, AZ? Child abuse is a felony and may come with enhanced penalties. It is crucial to protect children from abuse and neglect. But sadly, many child abuse allegations are false or arise from misinterpretation. Do not allow child abuse allegations to rob you of your freedom, rights, and good name.
Orent Law Offices has represented clients facing child abuse allegations for over 33 years, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect charges. Contact our law firm today to schedule a free consultation with a Glendale child abuse lawyer ready to help you.
If you are charged with child abuse, you face serious consequences well before you have the opportunity to defend yourself. Allegations of abuse can impact divorce and child custody proceedings, result in a protective order, and affect your job and living situation. You deserve an experienced Glendale criminal defense lawyer to help you fight back against unfair or false abuse allegations.
Orent Law Offices was founded by Craig Orent, a Certified Criminal Law Specialist. Only 750 out of 14,000 attorneys admitted to the State Bar of Arizona are Board Certified in a legal field. He has also earned recognition as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer thanks to his dedication to his clients.
Hire us, and you can count on our Glendale criminal defense attorneys to:
If you are facing child abuse charges, you may feel overwhelmed. Orent Law Offices is here to help you. Contact our law office today for a free case review with a compassionate Glendale child abuse attorney who can help.
Arizona has several statutes related to child abuse. Arizona law treats sexual, emotional, and physical abuse of minors seriously. The law also requires certain people who have knowledge of child abuse to report the suspected abuse to the authorities.
Child abuse can encompass many forms of abuse, including intentional physical abuse, sexual abuse, and non-intentional conduct involving criminal negligence or recklessness.
ARS § 8-201 defines “abuse” as allowing or inflicting physical injury or significant emotional damage. Emotional damage is defined as damage that causes aggressive behavior, depression, withdrawal, or anxiety as diagnosed by a doctor.
Child abuse cases can involve allegations of many types of abuse:
Many specific offenses can be considered child abuse in Arizona.
Most cases of child abuse are charged under ARS § 13-3623. This child abuse statute makes it a felony to physically injure a child or allow them to be placed in a situation that endangers their well-being and health.
If abuse occurs under circumstances that are likely to cause serious injury or death, it may be charged as a:
If the abuse was not likely to cause serious injury or death, it is a lesser offense. It is a Class 4 felony when done knowingly or intentionally, a Class 5 felony through recklessness, and a Class 6 felony through criminal negligence.
Many types of actions can be charged as child abuse under this statute, including:
Under ARS § 13-3623, two important factors determine the severity of the crime and the resulting penalty, including:
If you are charged with child abuse, you may face additional related charges. This can include charges related to sexual abuse or exploitation. Child abuse can also be classified as domestic violence or a Dangerous Crime Against Children (DCAC).
Sex crimes against children are considered one of the most serious forms of child abuse.
Common offenses related to child sexual abuse include:
Sexual abuse is any act that uses a child for sexual gratification or designed to stimulate a child sexually.
Child abuse can be considered a domestic violence offense under Arizona law.
Domestic violence is defined as a crime under ARS § 13-3601 when:
Several offenses can trigger a domestic violence charge in Glendale, AZ. This includes child abuse and sexual assault. Domestic violence is considered a dangerous crime in Arizona.
Domestic violence carries the same penalties as those for the underlying offense. However, domestic violence can come with additional penalties, including a longer jail or prison sentence, a mandatory domestic violence program, and the loss of your right to own or purchase a firearm.
Child abuse carries harsh penalties. There are many circumstances that can enhance the penalties you face. When you are charged with child abuse of any type, including child neglect and abandonment, it’s crucial to consult with experienced Glendale child abuse lawyers as soon as possible.
. You may face the following penalties if convicted:
A first-time child abuse offense may be punishable with probation and up to 1 year in jail — unless you’re charged under the DCAC statute.
Child abuse involving a sexual offense can carry harsher penalties.
The stigma of a child abuse allegation can have lasting effects on your life. For example, law enforcement’s investigation into the abuse will cause you to appear on the Child Abuse Central Index (CACI). This index is used by adoption agencies, law enforcement, child care providers, prospective employers, and more.
If convicted, you may face child custody consequences. A restraining order may prevent you from seeing your own child and force you to leave your home. You may even be required to register as a sex offender if convicted of sexual child abuse. Each of these can affect your ability to find gainful employment, rent a home, and qualify for benefits for the rest of your life.
Certain forms of child abuse can be classified as Dangerous Crimes Against Children (DCAC).
The following crimes may qualify as DCAC offenses if the victim is under 15:
Under ARS § 13-705, these offenses carry sentence enhancements.
For example, intentional or knowing child abuse is typically a Class 2 felony without the DCAC designation. Ordinarily, it is punishable by probation, with up to 1 year in jail or a prison sentence of 3 to 12.5 years. With the DCAC designation, it is punishable by 10 to 24 years in prison. The presumptive sentence is 17 years.
If you have a prior DCAC conviction, the presumptive sentence is increased to 28 years. With two prior DCAC convictions, the penalty is life in prison.
There are many potential legal options in Glendale child abuse cases.
Your Arizona child abuse attorney may recommend the following defense strategies:
At Orent Law Offices, we will begin by carefully investigating your case for violations of your constitutional rights or police misconduct. We will not allow illegally obtained evidence to be used against you.
We will also work with expert witnesses to establish whether the accuser’s allegations are accurate or if there is an alternative explanation. Accidental injuries may be misconstrued.
Contact Orent Law Offices today to begin building the legal defense you need against the charges you face.
Child abuse is a serious felony charge in Glendale, Arizona. Do not delay in seeking experienced legal representation to help you fight for your good name, freedom, and rights. Orent Law Offices is here to help you build the strong defense you need.
Contact our law office today for a free consultation with a Glendale child abuse lawyer ready to fight for you.