If you have been charged with aggravated child abuse then you may have a defense. Parental privilege is a defense that is oftentimes successful when fighting an aggravated child abuse case. Even if you don’t think you have a defense, you should always speak to an attorney to make sure you have a full understanding of how the law applies specifically to your case. If you want to know more about the parental privilege defense, or if you want to speak to a lawyer about how to beat your aggravated child abuse case in Florida, contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.
Aggravated child abuse in Florida is defined under Florida Statute 827.03(1)(a). A person commits the crime of aggravated child abuse when they commit an aggravated battery on a child, or when they willfully torture, maliciously punish or cage a child, or abuse a child in a manner that causes great bodily harm, permanent disability or permanent disfigurement.
Aggravated child abuse can be charged when parents use a belt to discipline their child and leave welts or scratches.
Aggravated child abuse is a first-degree felony, meaning you can be sentenced to up to 30 years in prison, or up to 30 years on probation and up to $10,000 in fines (you can also be sentenced to a jail or prison sentence followed by probation but the total length of the sentence cannot exceed 30 years).
Criminal convictions, especially for crimes with child victims, carry severe consequences and can never be removed from your criminal record. If you are convicted of a felony you will lose your right to vote, your right to own firearms, and your ability to maintain certain business licenses. You can also lose your ability to receive financial aid, your ability to live in certain places and your ability to obtain a passport.
If you need an attorney who will advise you, fight for your rights, and do everything possible to protect your future, or if someone you know has been charged with aggravated child abuse in Florida then contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.