Child abuse defense attorney serving Orange County, San Bernardino County, & Riverside County

Have you been accused of child abuse?

California law on child abuse

The consequences of a child abuse charge and conviction can be detrimental to the personal and professional life of the accused.

Due to the intensely personal nature of child abuse, there is a presumption of guilt on the part of the defendant.

Despite these common presumptions and stigmas, the mere claim by one party that another adult has abused a child does not make it true.

Even if you are innocent without question, if you have been accused of child abuse it is imperative that you seek legal representation immediately.

The Child Abuse Law:

Corporal injury or corporal punishment to a child can be considered child abuse, including:

• emotional abuse
• slapping
• pushing
• hitting
• neglect

The state of California recognizes child abuse as a “wobbler,” which means that you may be charged with a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the specific circumstances of your case.

If you have been arrested for child abuse, under California Penal Code pc 273d, the prosecuting attorney will also likely allege that you willfully and knowingly inflicted harm upon a child in a physical manner and that the harm provided traumatic punishment or injury for the circumstances.

California law generally excludes spanking a child under the pretense that parents are still allowed to discipline their children in a reasonable manner; however, if the discipline is determined to be excessive, you may be facing child abuse charges.

Child Abuse Defenses:

Even though a child abuse charge has serious potential societal and penal consequences, all hope is not lost!

There are many valid, effective defenses to child abuse charges.

If you’ve been accused of or charged with child abuse, the best thing you can do is immediately seek an experienced child abuse defense attorney.

Contact Wohl Law today to schedule a free consultation.  We can help get you through these difficult times.

Call toll free 1-855-457-8529