Atlanta Child Abuse Defense Lawyers

Defending Falsely Accused Clients in Georgia

Child abuse charges are very serious offenses, which are not only heavily penalized by the law, but also carry high stakes for the accused individual and family members. Prosecutors use every tactic available to prove that the accused is guilty. It is the job of the defense team to answer those claims. In order to do this, the defense team must have a full grasp of all of the laws concerning child abuse. Then, the defense can locate any weaknesses in the evidence or prosecutor's arguments.

This is especially effective for very serious child abuse charges, such as:

• Child neglect
• Aggravated child abuse
• Child molestation
• Violence against child
• Physical maltreatment
• Child sexual abuse

Most child abuse cases have a large number of variables and can be very complex matters. You should have our Atlanta criminal defense lawyers to provide you with counsel and guidance. The state may move quickly to secure evidence and strengthen arguments for a conviction, so it is important that you reach out to our lawyers right away.

If you’re dealing with child abuse allegations, take action now. Schedule a free legal consultation with our dedicated Atlanta Child Abuse Defense Lawyers. Call us at (404) 907-1536

Understanding Child Abuse Allegations

Child abuse encompasses various forms of harm inflicted on a minor, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. Each category carries distinct legal definitions and ramifications:

• Physical Abuse involves inflicting physical harm or injury on a child. This can include hitting, kicking, burning, or any form of physical violence. 
• Emotional Abuse refers to behaviors that harm a child’s emotional well-being or development. This can include verbal abuse, intimidation, and rejection. 
• Sexual Abuse involves any sexual activity with a minor, including molestation and exploitation. 
• Neglect occurs when a caregiver fails to provide for a child’s basic needs, including food, shelter, medical care, and education. 

Legal Implications of Child Abuse Allegations

In Georgia, child abuse can lead to both criminal charges and civil consequences. Depending on the nature of the allegations, penalties can vary significantly.

Criminal Charges

Criminal charges for child abuse can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on factors such as the severity of the abuse, the age of the child, and prior criminal history.

Penalties can include:

• Fines: Ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
• Jail Time: Misdemeanor charges may result in up to 12 months in jail, while felony charges can lead to multiple years in prison.
• Probation: Offenders may face probation conditions, including mandatory counseling and restrictions on contact with minors.

Civil Liabilities

In addition to criminal charges, those accused of child abuse may face civil lawsuits from the victim or their family. These civil cases can result in significant financial damages, impacting your life long after the criminal case has concluded.

Child Protective Services (CPS) Involvement

Allegations of child abuse often trigger investigations by child protective services. CPS may conduct interviews, home visits, and assessments to determine the safety of the child. This investigation can be intrusive and lead to additional legal proceedings regarding custody or parental rights.

Building a Strong Defense Strategy

Having an effective legal defense is crucial when facing child abuse allegations. The Atlanta child abuse defense lawyers at Weintraub & Alper Legal employ a range of defense strategies tailored to each unique case.

• Investigation and Evidence Gathering: The first step in building a strong defense is gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing any documentation related to the allegations. Our attorneys work diligently to uncover inconsistencies or flaws in the prosecution’s case.
• Challenging the Accusations: In many cases, allegations of child abuse can stem from misunderstandings, false accusations, or even malicious intent. We scrutinize the motivations behind the allegations and challenge the credibility of witnesses. 
• Expert Testimonies: In complex cases, we may engage experts to testify on your behalf. This can include child psychologists, social workers, or medical professionals who can provide insights that may counter the allegations or clarify the context of the situation.
• Navigating Plea Deals and Negotiations: While we always prepare for trial, we also recognize that negotiating a plea deal may be a strategic option in certain cases. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who can work to secure a resolution that minimizes the impact on your life and future.

Were you Falsely Accused? Call Us!

In order to proceed with the case, the prosecution has the burden of proving that the abuse was intentional, or that the wrongdoer committed the act knowing that the outcome could result in injury to the child, or that the wrongdoer encouraged someone else to carry out the abuse on the child.

Many times, accusations against an offender can be exaggerated in the claims made. The individual may also be falsely accused of those charges. Obviously, child abuse should not be allowed to continue to happen, but for those who were falsely accused, finding a tough and aggressive Atlanta child abuse defense attorney to fight the charges is crucial.

With over 55 years of experience, Weintraub & Alper Legal is renowned for handling complex criminal cases, including child abuse charges. Contact us online or give us a call at (404) 907-1536 today!