Frederick County Child Abuse Lawyer

Children have particularly stringent protection under the law, but it may be difficult at times to tell the difference between parental discipline and abuse. Allegations of violence against children could lead to severe consequences that last the rest of your life without the help of an attorney. If you have been accused of beating or hurting a minor, a Frederick County child abuse lawyer may be able to help you build a defense and protect your rights.

Defining Child Abuse

Child abuse is a relatively vague category as there is generally no clear-cut, tight rule of where physical discipline ends and child abuse begins. In Frederick County, Maryland, parents are allowed to use corporal punishment within reason as long as it is for disciplinary purposes. The same activity for the wrong reason may be child abuse in one instance and discipline in another.

Whether a corporal action is considered abuse or just punishment is oftentimes a judgment call. The action must be appropriate and for a specific disciplinary purpose. Child abuse is any adversarial, abusive or physical action taken against the child that is beyond the scope of what is permissible for corporal punishment for disciplinary reasons.

How Child Abuse is Handled in Frederick County

The Maryland Department of Social Services (DSS), initiates an investigation when a complaint is received. They will interview the parties, gather what evidence they can, and act quickly and provide a report of their findings for further action if the adult’s actions constitute abuse.

Children cannot file for their own protective orders so typically an adult will try to file on behalf of the child. This may be a parent, other relative or even someone from the Department of Social Services. When a protective order is issued for a minor, it is essential to understand the parameters of this order as violations could aggravate potential criminal charges. A child abuse lawyer in Frederick County could help prevent adults accused of battering a child from violating the terms of a court order to avoid making the situation worse.

Evidence of child abuse often comes in the form of photographs, live testimony, video, and eyewitnesses. Evidence may be from any region as long as it is reliable and properly admissible. However, in order to obtain a guilty verdict on child abuse charges in Frederick County, the state must prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt to a judge or jury. Working with a corporal punishment case attorney may help defendants build a strong case.

Consequences of Child Abuse Allegations and Conviction

The immediate and significant consequence of conviction is incarceration. Defendants may go to jail or even prison for a lengthy period of time and have a felony conviction. Aside from that, offenders could be placed on probation, be required to go to counseling and anger management classes, and lose their ability to have free access to the child or any at all for the foreseeable future. After conviction, a person would have a permanent criminal record or even be a convicted felon for life, forfeiting their right to vote and own or use a firearm.

How Does a Child Abuse Conviction Affect Visitation?

A person convicted of child abuse may be restricted to have only supervised visitation a few times a week, but this is a matter of custody. Custody is decided in family court with a judge, but for a criminal case, if the judge or DSS deems that the child may be in danger if contact is maintained, they might restrict the person from seeing their children unsupervised without either a DSS caseworker or another adult.

How Could a Lawyer Help in Frederick County Child Abuse Cases?

Child abuse allegations and charges are extremely serious in Frederick County as they are all felonies and prosecutors often pursue extensive punishment. A conviction would likely lead to loss of parental privileges and even life in prison, but a seasoned Frederick County child abuse lawyer could help build a strong defense. A criminal defense attorney could stand be your ally for everything from collecting evidence to arguing in court.

Very frequently, allegations are blown out of proportion or have an ulterior motive. An attorney can help address the reality, challenge the facts of the case, and make the state fight to prove their case. Call an experienced domestic violence lawyer today to get started on your defense.