Child Abuse

Child Abuse Defense Law Firm Also Skilled in San Diego Endangerment/Neglect and Child Molestation Charges

San Diego is very protective over children in its jurisdiction. The state legal systems act on behalf of children who are deemed to be incapable of caring for themselves, especially when they are taken advantage of by irresponsible parents, guardians or custodians.

You need an aggressive San Diego Child Abuse defense lawyer when being accused of molestation a child crime.

Although parents, teachers or caregivers may exercise discipline to children under their care, excessive discipline is considered abusive acts. Child abuse is more than an occasional spanking or restriction of privileges when the acts are frequent and harmful to the child physically, mentally and emotionally.

Child Abuse Charges

• Child abuse charges include:
• Physical violence
• Mental abuse
• Neglect
• Sexual acts that damage the child’s self-confidence and self-esteem over the long run.

Child molestation is a blatant act of assault on a minor that brings about a serious criminal charge with severe legal and social consequences. However, an alleged child molestation charge can ruin not only the defendant’s life and reputation; loved ones are adversely impacted no matter which side they stand on.

The state law on child molestation is heavy under the Penal Code of Section 288 where it is a crime to handle a child below 14 years with a sexual intent. This definition covers all types of touching with the sexual intent that must be proven by the prosecutor.

The court does not accept a child’s consent to the act or the ignorance of the minor’s age as excuses to this charge.

A Minor Endangerment & Neglect

The well established Law Offices of Thomas P Matthews can offer professional legal representation on child endangerment charges in the state of California. Our experienced child abuse lawyers are very familiar with the state Penal Code on child endangerment and its heavy penalties to steer the case out of dangerous waters.

What is Child Abuse and Neglect? Recognizing the signs and symptoms.

Many people are afraid of reporting child abuse. They think, “I don’t want the person I reported to know,” or, “I’m afraid it will come back to haunt me,” or, “it’s not my business.” Ironically, if you asked people if they should help if seeing a nearby car accident, most will say yes. But in a case of suspected child abuse, that thinking may be different. Why? Because of prevalent attitudes that someone else’s children are either “their responsibility” or “their property.”
Without aware adults, some children might never receive help. Be an advocate for children by knowing the signs of abuse and reporting child abuse. Remember, you are reporting suspicion of child abuse. Even if you aren’t sure, it’s better to let authorities check it out. You might save a child’s life!

You should know about these signs

When you have concerns for a child’s well-being, the indicators listed below may help guide you in your thought process. Many of these “symptoms” or “signs” could be caused by things other than abuse or neglect. Generally, these indicators do indicate that a child’s safety may be at risk and, at the very least, the situation should be assessed by a professional who is able to determine the causes of these symptoms and offer the help and assistance necessary to reduce the risk to a child. MORE..>

Contact a San Diego Child Abuse Attorney Now For Free Consultation

We work aggressively to avoid any child abuse charges to be turned into statutory rape or sexual battery through extensive and independent investigations so that the defendant is not subject to a demeaning ‘sex offender’ label for life. Every element of the child endangerment charge would be challenged to have the charges dropped with no bias on the defendant. Call (619) 236-3400.