Child Abuse

The Law Offices of Sandra Nassar, A Professional Corporation handles all types of child abuse cases and crimes. If you are charged with criminal child abuse or a government agency has alleged child abuse against you in Orange County, Los Angeles, or the surrounding counties, then you need the assistance of an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Call the Law Offices of Sandra Nassar, A Professional Corporation to speak with a criminal defense attorney that can answer your questions.

Non-Criminal Child Abuse Proceedings

If you are suspected of committing child abuse or child neglect, it can be reported to the local agency of the California Department of Social Services who will investigate the allegations. If the department investigators determine the allegations are substantiated, then they are required to report the person to the state Child Abuse Central Index (CACI). The index includes reports of physical abuse, sexual abuse, mental and emotional abuse, and severe neglect of a child. Once listed on the index, it is nearly impossible to get off of it.

Before being listed on the index, you must be given notice by the investigating agency. Once you are given notice that you will be reported to the Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) you have a limited time to challenge it and request a hearing. You need an experienced attorney who knows how to handle these cases. If you are being investigated for child abuse or child neglect or if you have received a notice that you will be referred to the Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) you have limited time to protect your rights. Contact an experienced Orange County defense lawyer at the Law Offices of Sandra Nassar.

The Department of Social Services can refer any child abuse and neglect allegations to other agencies for review as well. These other agencies may institute proceedings, called dependency proceedings, or charge you in a criminal case.

Dependency proceedings can be brought in order to take a child away or for the court to oversee how a parent cares for their child. It is best to have an attorney involved to protect your rights. If you have a dependency case in Orange County, Los Angeles or the surrounding counties then contact an experienced Orange County defense attorney at the Law Offices of Sandra Nassar.

Criminal Child Abuse Charges

If there is a criminal investigation of child abuse or neglect, or if charges have already been filed, it is important to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer to represent you. The charges are serious. If you are in Orange County, Los Angeles, or the surrounding counties, call the Law Offices of Sandra Nassar and speak to a criminal defense attorney who can answer your questions.

The main child abuse penal code sections are California Penal Code sections 273a(a), 273a(b), and 273(d).

California Penal Code section 273a(a), also known as child abuse or neglect, applies when, under circumstance likely to produce great bodily harm or death:

1. A person causes or permits a child to suffer; or
2. A person inflicts unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering upon a child; or
3. A person who has the care or custody of a child causes or permits the child to be injured; or
4. A person who has the care or custody of a child causes or permits that child to be placed in a situation where his or her health is endangered.

It can be charged as a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail or as a felony with up to six years in prison.

California Penal Code section 273a(b) is similar to section 273a(a) except it applies when the child abuse or neglect occurs under circumstances other than those likely to produce great bodily harm or death. It is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail.

California Penal Code section 273d also known as corporal injury on a child applies when a person inflicts upon a child any cruel or inhuman corporal punishment or an injury resulting in a traumatic condition. This section requires an actual injury be inflicted upon the child. It is a felony punishable by up to six years in jail.

If you have questions or need an attorney to defend you against child abuse allegations in Orange County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, San Diego County, or San Bernardino County then you need a lawyer with experience to defend you. The Law Offices of Sandra Nassar, A Professional Corporation has extensive experience handling child abuse cases. Get an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney on your side. Make the call now. Call 1-800-260-2026 to get the help you need.