Aggravated Child Abuse

Some criminal offenses are simply treated more seriously and sensitively by prosecutors, police, and judges. DUIs, thefts, and drug crimes are usually victimless offenses that people get off of fairly easily. Even the worst judges around no longer like to lock people up just for marijuana or drug convictions or other minor crimes. Even people facing violent offenses can sometimes get off easy when they have little criminal history or other mitigating circumstances. However, there are some criminal offenses that are considered repugnant by the powers that be in the criminal justice system, and that require the retention of skilled legal counsel for you to achieve the best results.

Among the criminal charges that result in the most zealous and unreasonable prosecution are crimes involving children. Children are especially vulnerable to exploitation and victimization in our society and the criminal justice establishment, for all of its flaws, tries its best to provide justice to children who have become victims of strangers, peers, parents, and other family members. Child sex crimes in particular are punished significantly more harshly, and other offenses include sentencing enhancements for those convicted of crimes against children. If you have been charged or investigated for a crime where a child is the victim, you should not hesitate to immediately contact an experienced Sarasota criminal defense lawyer to begin to build your defense.

Child abuse is the primary class of criminal offense that is in place to punish those who victimize minors. The base offense of child abuse is defined as: 1. Intentional infliction of physical or mental injury upon a child; 2. An intentional act that could reasonably be expected to result in physical or mental injury to a child; or 3. Active encouragement of any person to commit an act that results or could reasonably be expected to result in physical or mental injury to a child. Child abuse is further separated into categories. A person convicted of child abuse without causing great bodily harm would face a felony of the third degree, punishable by a maximum of five years in prison.

A person who commits a more serious form of child abuse could be charged with the enhanced offense of aggravated child abuse. Aggravated child abuse occurs when a person 1. Commits aggravated battery on a child; 2. Willfully tortures, maliciously punishes, or willfully and unlawfully cages a child; or 3. Knowingly or will fully abuses a child and in doing causes great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement to the child. Clearly, the actions described in the statute are heinous actions against children and the punishments are commensurate with those facts. Because of the seriousness of the allegations and the punishments attached, you should not hesitate to retain a dedicated Sarasota criminal defense lawyer to build your defense if you are charged with a crime against a child.

Aggravated child abuse is considered a first degree felony and is punishable by a maximum prison sentence of thirty years. Depending on the facts of the case, there may also be significant mandatory minimum penalties associated with a conviction as well. Many lawyers choose to shy away from cases like these due to the stress involved. Our firm does not turn away from difficult cases and our lawyers relish the challenge of obtaining victories for our clients charged with significant criminal offenses.

If you have been charged with a criminal offense involving a minor victim such as child abuse, aggravated child abuse, child neglect or aggravated child neglect, you need to consider speaking to a lawyer right away. All too often we see clients who wait until they get arrested or get a court date in the mail. A dedicated and zealous Sarasota criminal defense lawyer can get involved in your case before charges are ever filed and begin to make a difference right away. Call us today for a consultation at 941.462.1789.