Have you been accused of child abuse in Fort Worth, TX? If so, it is essential that you seek legal advice from an experienced Fort Worth child abuse defense attorney as soon as possible. Child abuse allegations can result in severe criminal penalties. It is crucial to take steps to protect yourself.
Our team of lawyers at Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers has over 60 years of combined experience. Attorneys Cody Cofer and James Luster are former prosecutors who bring their wealth of knowledge to your defense. Our team has three attorneys who are Board-Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Contact us today at (682) 777-3336 to schedule a free consultation.
How Our Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help You Fight Child Abuse Charges in Texas
Child abuse cases are emotional and stressful. You may not be aware that you are under investigation for child abuse. Once you become aware of the charges or the investigation, contact our Fort Worth criminal defense lawyers for help.
If you are under investigation for child abuse, we aggressively fight to prevent the charges from being filed, if possible. When a client has already been arrested, our legal team acts immediately to begin building a defense against the child abuse charges.
When you hire us, you can trust we will:
- Explain the charges against you and Fort Worth, Texas child abuse laws
- Provide compassionate and understanding legal representation
- Handle all conversations with law enforcement officers and the prosecutor’s office
- Coordinate a comprehensive and exhaustive investigation of the child abuse charges
- Gather evidence to have the child abuse charges dismissed or negotiate an acceptable plea agreement
- Develop a solid defense strategy for your case
- Litigate your case at trial if that is the best way to protect your rights and interests
Our attorneys at Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers have been included in Fort Worth Magazine’s Top Attorneys for multiple years. We have extensive experience in criminal defense law. Contact us to schedule a free consultation today.
How Does Texas Define Child Abuse?
Child abuse is defined in the Texas Family Code and the Texas Penal Code. According to Texas law, child abuse is defined as:
- Mental or emotional injury
- Physical injury
- Harmful sexual conduct
- Allowing a child to use a controlled substance
- Forcing a child to enter marriage
- Child trafficking
Texas law defines the crime of injury to a child as knowingly, intentionally, with criminal negligence, or recklessly causing a child to suffer:
- Bodily injury
- Serious bodily injury
- Serious mental impairment, deficiency, or injury
- Exploitation
The law requires specific individuals to report child abuse. Mandatory reporters include medical providers, teachers, daycare workers, as well as juvenile, correctional, detention, and probation officers.
Courts take child abuse allegations seriously. You can be charged with one or more crimes if you are accused of abusing or neglecting a child in Texas.
Different Kinds of Child Abuse in Fort Worth, TX
Neglect or abuse of a child can result in numerous criminal charges under the Texas Penal Code. Different kinds of child abuse that can be prosecuted under the law include:
- Injury to a child
- Assault
- Leaving a child in a vehicle
- Sexual assault
- Endangering or abandoning a child
- Aggravated assault
- Aggravated sexual assault
If you are arrested for child abuse in Texas, do not discuss your case with the police or the prosecutor without an attorney present. You may believe that explaining your side of the story will help you avoid charges or get out of jail. However, the more you say before you speak with a lawyer, the harder you make it to build a defense to the child abuse charges.
What Are the Penalties for Child Abuse in Fort Worth, TX?
The penalties for child abuse charges depend on the specific charges filed against you. Other factors include your criminal history, the child’s age, the seriousness of the child’s injuries, and other aggravating circumstances.
In many cases, injury or abuse of a child results in felony charges. The potential penalties for felony child abuse convictions include:
- First-degree felony child abuse can result in five to 99 years in prison.
- Second-degree felony child abuse can result in two to 20 years in prison.
- Third-degree felony child abuse can result in two to ten years in prison.
- Fourth-degree felony child abuse can result in 180 days in jail or up to two years in prison.
In addition to incarceration, the court may impose a fine of up to $10,000. Other penalties could include registering as a sex offender and probation. Collateral consequences could include restricting residency, loss of custody and/or visitation, loss of employment, and revocation of professional license.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Fort Worth Child Abuse Defense Attorneys
If you have been charged with child abuse in Fort Worth, do not hesitate to contact our Fort Worth child abuse defense attorneys at Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers. Immediate assistance with your defense is the best way to fight child abuse charges. Call now to schedule your free consultation.
