Child abuse can be proven by the State of Florida the following ways:
1) Defendant intentionally inflicted physical or mental injury upon a child
victim (under 18 years of age).
2) Defendant committed an intentional act that could reasonably be expected
to result in physical or mental injury to the child victim (under 18 years of age).
3) Defendant actively encouraged another person to commit an act that resulted
in or could reasonably have been expected to result in physical or mental
injury to the child victim (under 18 years of age).
Child abuse can occur in a number of ways. The most common allegation is
that a parent struck or hit a child beyond what is appropriate corporal
punishment. This may entail leaving marks or bruises on the child.
The second way (and fairly common way) that child abuse can be charge pertains
to #2 - "an intentional act that could reasonably be expected to
result in physical or mental injury to the child victim." This type
of child abuse can occur if parents engage in an act of
domestic violence in the presence of the child. When
I was a Miami-Dade prosecutor, I tried cases where domestic batterers were also charged with child abuse
because their acts of violence toward their spouses had occurred while
the child was watching.
Like many third-degree felonies, first-time offenders may be eligible for
Pretrial Intervention, should a parent or guardian (other than the Defendant,
of course) agree. Also, the State Attorney's Office will look at the
extent of the injury or the severity of the conduct.
However, all prosecutors will send a letter to DCF informing them of the
pending charge(s).
Child abuse is one of the disqualifying offenses regarding the
sealing of your criminal record. If you accept a guilty plea or are found guilty of child abuse, you cannot
have your criminal record sealed. You may only have your
record expunged if your case is dismissed by the State Attorney's Office, be it for
completion of PTI or a dismissal on the merits (motion to dismiss or no action).
A charge of child abuse can ruin your life as much as sexually-related
criminal charge can. You are at risk for losing your children, in addition
to facing judgment by your friends and family members. Many allegations
of child abuse are just that - allegations. Don't be bullied by the
State Attorney's Office or the police. They believe these allegations
to be 100% true, and will stop at nothing to see you prosecuted.
I represent clients charged with child abuse in Miami-Dade and Broward
County. I practice
criminal defense exclusively, and pride myself on being a criminal attorney who devotes
careful attention to my clients' cases. I know that getting arrested
and being charged with a crime is likely the worst experience you and
your family has ever endured. Don't go through it alone.
Call me to schedule a free consultation.