Children should be protected, nurtured, and provided with a safe place to live and grow. Unfortunately, they are often used to gain an unfair advantage in certain situations – such as contested divorces, child custody battles, and domestic violence cases – leading to false accusations with severe consequences.
If you’ve been accused of child abuse in Phoenix, AZ, it’s crucial to seek advice from an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Your rights, freedom, and reputation are all on the line. A conviction can result in imprisonment and negative repercussions that follow you for life.
Contact Orent Law Offices to speak with an experienced Phoenix child abuse defense attorney. We’ve successfully represented the accused in various types of criminal matters, and we have over 34 years of experience to put behind your case.
We offer a free consultation, so contact our law firm or call (480) 656-7301 to schedule an appointment to discuss the child abuse allegations against you.
Before you even have a chance to defend yourself against claims of child abuse, you may face negative consequences. For example, a restraining order may be issued against you, preventing you from seeing your child or remaining in your home.
Speaking with a Phoenix criminal defense attorney is the best way to protect your rights and mitigate the effects of a child abuse accusation.
If you hire Orent Law Offices for help defending you against allegations of child abuse in Phoenix, Arizona, we’ll:
Don’t attempt to handle a child abuse case on your own. Call Orent Law Offices today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Phoenix domestic violence attorney.
Child abuse can take many forms in the State of Arizona, as follows:
Anyone with custody, care, and control of a child can be charged with child abuse. That often applies to parents but can also extend to relatives, caregivers, and school officials.
Several different offenses can qualify as child abuse in Arizona. Below, we discuss some of them.
Most child abuse cases fall under Arizona Revised Statute §13-3623. Under the statute, you can be charged with a felony if you:
If the abuse occurs under circumstances that are likely to produce a serious physical injury or death, you will face harsher penalties. Additionally, the class of felony will depend on your intent, ranging from intentional or knowing, reckless, or criminally negligent.
Many types of conduct can be charged as child abuse under this law, including:
You may face multiple charges relating to child abuse, depending on the accusations.
Under Arizona law, domestic violence includes dangerous crimes against children and various other offenses, including child endangerment and assault.
For this statute to apply to child abuse, either of the following must be true:
If a police officer responds to a domestic violence call and a minor is present, they will conduct a welfare check. The goal is to evaluate the child’s safety and determine whether they’ve been abused.
Sex crimes against children are taken very seriously. And unfortunately, many forms of sexual abuse exist, as follows:
All of these crimes are felonies in Arizona, and enhanced penalties may apply depending on the child’s age.
Any type of child abuse is a serious criminal offense with harsh penalties and consequences. The punishment will depend on the specific crime and whether any aggravating factors are present.
If convicted, the following penalties may apply:
You can also face collateral consequences, such as issues with child custody and being added to the DCS Central Registry. It’s essential to get help from an experienced Phoenix child abuse defense lawyer if you’ve been accused of any offense against a minor.
Several child abuse offenses are considered dangerous crimes against children (DCAC) if the victim is under a certain age. These crimes carry harsher penalties.
For example, sexual exploitation of a minor is usually a Class 2 felony. However, if the victim is under 15 years old, it falls under ARS §13-705 as a DCAC. A conviction for this crime can carry up to 24 years in prison. If you were previously convicted of a similar felony, you could face up to 35 years in prison.
The following acts, when committed against a minor under the age of 15, are considered dangerous crimes against children:
If you’ve been charged with a dangerous crime against a child, it’s essential to contact a child abuse defense attorney in Phoenix as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Child abuse allegations are incredibly serious, and a conviction has many negative consequences. That’s why it’s crucial to seek legal help immediately after you learn of the charges or if you’re being investigated by law enforcement or the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS). An attorney will evaluate the facts of your case and determine the best defense strategy.
Some possible defenses that can be raised on your behalf include:
If necessary, we will work with experts to determine whether the accusations can be substantiated. Children can get hurt while playing, and mandated reporters may misinterpret these accidental injuries.
Contact our criminal defense team in Phoenix today to get the experienced legal counsel you deserve.
Are you being investigated for child abuse in Phoenix, AZ? Whether it’s still in the early stages of the process or you’ve been formally charged, it’s essential to obtain legal advice as soon as possible. A conviction can strip you of your freedom and reputation.
Contact the skilled and dedicated Phoenix child abuse defense attorneys at Orent Law Offices for help. We’ll listen to your side of the story, explain your rights, and create a defense tailored to the facts of your case. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation, so call today to schedule an appointment to discuss the charges against you.
