Child Abuse Attorney in Tampa, Florida

If you’ve been charged with child abuse in a Tampa Bay area court, you face a perilous situation. Child abuse charges can emerge in already-difficult times like custody disputes. And they can be used against you in the family court as well as criminal court.

An experienced Tampa child abuse attorney can serve as your advocate before law enforcement, state attorneys, judges, and even juries. Criminal cases involving children are some of the most emotional, but that doesn't mean your rights can be thrown out the window.

Child abuse laws in Florida can be vague, and false charges may be raised for any number of reasons:

• There was a bitter child custody dispute or divorce.
• Different standards of appropriate discipline and corporal punishment.
• An accident left a child injured.

At Musca Law, we will examine your case to determine a sound legal strategy, if you face any of these charges:

Child Abuse (Misdemeanor)

This is a misdemeanor offense can be charged whether an individual is accused of committing physicall abuse or verbal abuse.

Aggravated Child Abuse

When allegations of child abuse are more severe, individuals may face an aggravated child abuse charge. These charges can be raised in cases that involve any of the following:

• The use of a deadly weapon (aggravated battery) is alleged.
• A person is accused of torture, malicious punishment (punishment that occurred without any "valid reason"), or unlawfully placing a child in a cage.
• The alleged abuse resulted in great bodily harm to a child (as opposed to a simple bruise, for instance.)

These first-degree felony cases can be punished by up to 30 years in prison and the possibility of a fine of up to $10,000.

Neglect of a Child

Neglect of a child cases arise when a parent or other caregiver is accused of not providing the care necessary for a child's physical and mental health. According to Florida law, neglect of a child happens when an individual does not provide food, shelter, medicine, and other necessities that most people would consider essential for the well-being of a child.

Depending on the severity of the harm to the child, neglect can be charged in Florida as either a third-degree felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison or a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

Defense Against Child Abuse Charges in Tampa, Florida

If you or someone you know is facing a charge of child abuse in Tampa, Florida, please don't hesitate to call Musca Law at (813) 362-5623 or 1 (800) MUSCA-LAW. We serve the courts of Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, and the cities of Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg.