If you’re facing child abuse charges, the Indianapolis child abuse defense lawyers at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers can help protect your future. Contact our attorneys at (317) 759-2599 today to schedule a free case consultation with our experienced legal team.
Child abuse cases in Indianapolis are taken extremely seriously under Indiana law, and the stakes are high for everyone involved. With over 100 years of combined experience, our attorneys will build a strong defense to safeguard your rights.
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Why Hire Suhre & Associates if I’m Arrested for Child Abuse in Indianapolis, IN?
Facing a child abuse accusation in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a stressful experience. Your future and your reputation are on the line, and you must know how to defend yourself.
Here’s why people continue to trust our Indianapolis criminal defense attorneys:
- We have a former prosecutor and a former police officer on our team, so we understand how the opposing side thinks and can identify weaknesses in the case against you.
- Our attorneys have been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers “Top 100.”
- Our team has more than a century of combined legal experience.
When these kinds of accusations put your future at stake, you need to take them seriously. Contact Suhre & Associates to schedule a free consultation with an Indianapolis domestic violence lawyer.
Overview of Child Abuse in Indianapolis
Many different Indiana laws make it illegal to harm or mistreat a child. Below are the main child abuse statutes in Indiana.
Neglect of a Dependent
It is against the law to put a child in dangerous situations or to abandon them. This law also targets parents or guardians who fail to provide essential items, such as sufficient food, necessary medical care, proper supervision, or a basic education.
Battery (with Child-Victim Enhancements)
Physically attacking someone is called battery. If the victim is younger than 14, and the person accused is at least 18, courts handle this as a more serious kind of crime because of the young age of the child.
Sex Offenses Involving Minors
Sex crimes against children in Indiana cover a number of different situations, including child molestation, child exploitation, vicarious sexual gratification, child solicitation, and sexual misconduct with a minor, to name a few.
Mandatory Reporting and Failure to Report
Indiana law requires anyone who believes a child is being abused or neglected to make a report to authorities, such as the police or the Department of Child Services. Choosing not to report when you suspect abuse or neglect is a crime.
What Are the Penalties for Child Abuse in Indianapolis, Indiana?
Child abuse is a broad term under Indiana law. What a person faces will depend greatly on the exact behavior.
- Someone convicted of a misdemeanor might receive jail time, which typically means less than a year.
- Felony charges bring much heavier sentences, including many years or even decades in prison. Some cases can result in a potential sentence of life in prison.
- Fines are possible, ranging from hundreds to many thousands of dollars.
- Many are given probation after serving time or instead of staying in jail, which comes with strict rules and mandated appointments.
- People convicted of sexual offenses involving children are often required to register as sex offenders—possibly for life.
The penalties for child abuse range widely because child abuse covers so many possible crimes. An experienced attorney can explain the risks in detail for your individual situation.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for Child Abuse?
Getting arrested for child abuse is a life-changing event that stirs up fear, worry, and confusion. If you’re facing these charges, a strong defense is crucial.
Some common ones include:
False Accusation
It’s more common than people realize. Sometimes, someone reports abuse out of anger, mistaken beliefs, or a custody dispute. In these situations, your lawyer may collect witness statements, evidence of your location during the alleged abuse (an alibi), and prove motivation for someone to make a false report.
Accident, Not Abuse
Children get bruises and injuries for reasons that are not related to any abuse. Accidents can happen anywhere, such as at school, on the playground, or at home. If the harm truly was accidental, your lawyer may use medical records or statements from those present at the time to explain how it actually happened.
Prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that what the alleged victim claims you did actually occurred.
Parents’ Right to Discipline Within Reason Parents
Parents have the right to discipline their child, such as spanking, within reasonable limits. It becomes “abuse” when discipline becomes excessive or leads to harm. Your lawyer can make this argument to try to avoid a conviction.
If you or a loved one has been charged, consult with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. The right defense depends on the facts of the case, and your attorney will help you figure it out.
Whether you are just learning about an investigation or already facing charges, getting strong legal representation matters a lot when it comes to something as serious as child abuse charges. The right defense attorney will do everything possible to make sure your voice is heard and your rights are protected every step of the way. We’re here to help you.
Call Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers to schedule a confidential and free case evaluation with an Indianapolis child abuse defense lawyer.
