Domestic Abuse Attorney in Princeton
Child Abuse
If you stand accused of abusing your child (or someone else's child) in New Jersey, you likely feel scared, frustrated, overwhelmed, and perplexed about how to manage not only your legal defense but also your personal life. Whether you did in fact abuse or neglect a child, or you stand falsely accused of child abuse, you have rights that deserve protecting.
Abuse and Neglect Statistics
According to a 2006 survey, approximately one out of every 60 children in the US has suffered some form of abuse or neglect. This means that 1.25 million children, approximately, have been victimized. Most of these victims suffer neglect – which essentially means that a guardian or a parent failed to provide basic needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter. Nearly 50% of the children surveyed suffered physical, sexual, or emotional abuse.
In 2007, according to one survey, 1,760 children died from neglect or abuse. The National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System found that boys and girls suffered abuse and neglect equally, but younger victims were more vulnerable to being damaged by neglect/abuse. Another study, the Fourth National Incidence Study of Child Abuse and Neglect, found that unemployed parents tend to abuse/neglect their children at two to three times the rate that employed parents do. Children living with married, biologically related parents are at the least risk for abuse/neglect.
What Happens If You Are Convicted
Child abuse convicts can face a life time of frustration, punishment, and remorse. Among the penalties the court can throw at you include: prison time, permanent loss of custody and visitation rights, steep fees, fines, and court costs, harsh probation terms, and untold damage to your personal and professional relationships and reputation.
Falsely Accused?
In some cases, a vindictive ex spouse or other party will concoct allegations of child abuse to inflict distress. Falsely alleging child abuse is a crime. As an aggrieved defendant, you can avail yourself of variety of resources to claim justice. For instance, you could launch a civil suit against the spouse who made up the allegations against you.
Getting Essential Legal Help
Given the long lasting and heavy penalties that await child abuse convicts, you should retain experienced and credentialed attorneys to help you prepare and manage your defense. Contact the New Jersey physical abuse defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein to get a free and totally confidential case evaluation. Call today at 609-240-0040.