Few topics are more emotionally charged than allegations of child abuse. However, there are times when these claims result from misunderstandings or valid parental discipline. Unfortunately, arrests are still common in these situations.
If you have been accused of child abuse, you deserve to have your story told by a seasoned defense attorney. These charges are serious, but the right defense strategy can help you avoid a conviction. An Elizabeth City child abuse lawyer can walk you through the court process while protecting your rights along the way.
What Counts as Child Abuse?
There are different types of abuse offenses to be aware of. The misdemeanor level of this offense is governed by North Carolina General Statute § 14-318.2.
In order for the state to obtain a conviction for misdemeanor child abuse, the prosecutor must establish all the elements of the offense. A child abuse attorney in Elizabeth City can help you build a defense strategy that maximizes your chance for a positive outcome.
This specific charge applies to individuals in a position of authority over a minor child. Typically, this involves the parents or guardians of the juvenile. However, charges can also be filed against any person tasked with caring for or supervising a child under the age of 16. This could include anyone from a legal guardian to a hired babysitter.
Acts that Constitute Abuse
The prosecutor must prove one of the three theories below to secure a conviction. The first option is to show the accused inflicted a physical injury on a juvenile. Even a minor wound could qualify for these purposes.
A person could also face criminal charges for abuse they permitted, even if they were not guilty of it themselves. For example, a babysitter that allows another person to injure the child they have been hired to care for is an example of child abuse.
Finally, an arrest can result from allowing a child to face a substantial risk of injury. This is true even when no one harms them intentionally. An example could include putting a child at risk of injury by leaving them near a dangerous hazard like exposed wiring or a busy roadway.
Penalties for a Child Abuse Conviction
Like with any misdemeanor, child abuse convictions can result in time behind bars. A judge has leeway when entering these sentences, but a person with a criminal record will generally face steeper penalties compared to a first-time offender. The maximum sentence for this charge is 150 days in jail.
In addition to monetary fines and jail time, there are other aspects of a child abuse conviction that can cause havoc in a person’s life. That includes collateral consequences, such as the loss of employment or damage to a person’s reputation due to their conviction.
Call a Child Abuse Attorney in Elizabeth City Today
If you have been arrested under suspicion of abusing a juvenile, you have the right to seek legal counsel to defend you. A conviction could dramatically impact your freedom; an Elizabeth City child abuse lawyer can help you defend against these charges. Call Parks Zeigler, PLLC, today to learn more.
