A child abuse charge is serious. In fact, it’s the kind of serious that changes everything if you don’t handle it right. You need a Phoenix child abuse lawyer who’s been in this fight before, not someone learning on the job.
RJ Suzuki is a former federal prosecutor. He knows how the other side builds these cases because he used to build them. That’s not a small thing. Suzuki Law Offices has been doing this since 2007.
Our violent crimes defense lawyers in Phoenix bring real investigators, real experience, and someone available to pick up the phone when you need us: nights, weekends, whenever. We’re not going to panic with you. We’re going to get to work.
Defining Child Abuse in Arizona
Under Arizona’s child abuse law, several different actions can be categorized as child abuse. According to Arizona Revised Statutes § 13.3623, a person can face child abuse charges if they cause a child to suffer physical injury, cause or permit a child to be injured while under their care, or cause or permit a child to be placed in a situation where their well-being is endangered.
A criminal defense lawyer in Phoenix can help you understand what your specific charges mean and help you explore your legal options.
Under the law, any of the following actions would be considered abuse:
Neglect or Abandonment
Child neglect charges can stem from knowingly neglecting or abandoning a child. Neglect also includes failing to provide needed food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision that results in harm to a child’s well-being.
It is also considered neglect to bring a child to an area where illegal drugs are manufactured.
Physical Abuse
This involves inflicting injury or allowing a child to be injured, such as striking, biting, or other means. This also includes failing to prevent harm when responsible for a child.
Sexual Abuse
Child molestation, sexual conduct with a minor, or sexual exploitation falls under this category. It refers to any sexual activity or exposure involving a minor, including pornography and human trafficking.
Confinement
Causing the unreasonable confinement of a child refers to detaining or imprisoning a child against their will through improper restraint, locking them in a room, or other coercive means.
Emotional Abuse
Causing serious emotional damage to a child involves inflicting severe and persistent mental or psychological harm through abuse, threats, intimidation, or other traumatic treatment.
Accusations of child abuse can impact your reputation, your job, and can result in the involvement of the Arizona Department of Child Safety. If you’ve been accused, it’s important to contact a child abuse attorney in Phoenix.
Your lawyer can begin building a strong defense to help minimize the potential penalties you may face.
Is Child Abuse a Felony or Misdemeanor?
According to Arizona law, child abuse is a felony; however, the charges can range from a class 6 felony to a class 2 felony, depending on the case. For example, if the abuse is likely to produce injury or death, the defendant will face more serious charges.
When child abuse is likely to produce death or serious physical injury:
- If the abuse was intentional, the offense is a class 2 felony
- If the abuse was reckless, the offense is a class 3 felony
- If the abuse was criminally negligent, the offense is a class 4 felony
When child abuse is not likely to produce death or serious physical injury:
- If the abuse was intentional, the offense is a class 4 felony
- If the abuse was reckless, the offense is a class 5 felony
- If the abuse was criminally negligent, it’s a class 6 felony
What are The Penalties for Child Abuse?
Penalties include:
- Class 6 felony: Up to 1.5 years in prison and $750 to $150,000 in fines
- Class 5 felony: Up to 2 years in prison and $750 to $150,000 in fines
- Class 4 felony: Up to 3 years in prison and $750 to $150,000 in fines
- Class 3 felony: Up to 7 years in prison and $750 to $150,000 in fines
- Class 2 felony: Up to 10 years in prison and $750 to $150,000 in fines
Child abuse convictions carry severe penalties. If you have been accused of crimes against children, you need an aggressive defense attorney. Our child abuse defense attorneys can work to minimize your penalties and ensure your rights are protected.
Suzuki Law Offices is Ready to Defend Your Rights
Before entering private practice, Attorney Richard Suzuki gained valuable experience working as a Deputy Maricopa County Attorney and Assistant U.S. Attorney.
His experience in federal court and his insights into prosecution tactics provide an invaluable advantage to clients facing serious felony charges such as child abuse.
If you have been arrested, our Phoenix child abuse defense lawyers are ready to protect your rights. Contact our legal team today to get started.
Potential Defense to Child Abuse Accusations
The moment you are accused of child abuse or neglect, hire an attorney immediately. Your attorney can begin investigating the details surrounding your accusations and building a defense that can weaken the prosecution’s case.
Some potential defenses for child abuse charges can include:
- False accusations: False claims are not uncommon, as children can be easily manipulated when they are under stress or being pressured by another adult. For instance, during custody battles, a parent may manipulate a child to claim abuse in order to win custody.
- Injury due to other circumstances: It’s a fact that children can get hurt in activities such as playing or riding a bike. Unless the injuries stem from extreme negligence, then you are not likely to face criminal charges.
- Parental discipline: As a parent, you have the right to reasonably discipline your children as long as the discipline doesn’t result in bodily injuries.
- Religious exemption: In Arizona, there is a limited exemption for certain religious groups. If you fall under this category, you may be able to use this exemption as a defense.
Contact a Child Abuse Defense Lawyer in Phoenix Today
If you or someone you love is facing child abuse charges in Arizona, don’t wait to get help. The earlier you have an attorney involved, the better your options tend to be.
Suzuki Law Offices has been defending clients in serious criminal cases since 2007. RJ Suzuki is a former federal prosecutor who knows this system from the inside. Our child abuse defense lawyers in Phoenix know how to fight for you the right way.
If you are still wondering how a criminal defense lawyer can help you, call us today for a free case evaluation and learn about your defense options. We’re always available.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form