Why You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer to Represent You When You Face a Child Abuse Charge

California law considers criminal child abuse to be the emotional, physical or sexual abuse or neglect of a minor by a guardian or parent; and includes mental anguish or abuse imposed on a child, child exploitation, and child cruelty.  A serious, often stigmatizing crime, a Los Angeles child abuse charge is best handled head-on by an aggressive child abuse lawyer with experience as a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles who has had a measurable amount of success in the defense of child abuse clients.

With the widespread public sensitivity and awareness of child abuse and the devastating effects of the crime sensationalized in all sorts of media outlets nationwide, child abuse has become an accusation that teachers, childcare workers, therapists, and psychiatrists are quick to proclaim whenever a child’s behavior differs from the norm. By law, professionals who come into contact with any child suspected of being a victim of child abuse must report the abuse or injury to authorities—many of which are unfounded. Add to those reports the many child abuse accusations made by those involved in emotionally-charge divorce proceedings, unresolved child custody issues, and various types of family disputes, and you have a lot of allegations flying around.

As any child abuse lawyer will tell you, being falsely accused of child abuse isn’t an allegation to take lightly. Many falsely accused child abuse defendants have been left with a ruined life even when they have been thoroughly exonerated of the crime.  Consequently, the best defense for a child abuse allegation is one that involves the retention of the services of a reputable child abuse lawyer the minute you suspect that someone is suspicious of you. Guilty or not, being accused of child abuse usually inclines one to respond defensively and with an overly-emotional declaration of innocence. Such responses don’t help, and may in fact come back to bite you in court. An experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer with experience in child abuse defense litigation is your best resource for learning exactly how to respond to accusers, family members, and the media so as not to jeopardize your case when it comes to trial.

Things to Keep in Mind to Assist Your Defense of a Child Abuse Charge

Some general things you can do to assist in your own defense include:

• Never be alone in the company of the child you have been accused of harming.  This avoids the possibility of further allegations being made.

• If you must be around children for your job, always have another adult present when you interact with any child so that person can confirm that you engaged in appropriate behavior and actions toward the child.
• Negotiate amicable custody agreements with exes, family members, and other parents to prevent any misunderstandings.
• Be careful not to horseplay, tackle, wrestle, tell off-colored jokes, make sexually-oriented comments, or have verbal outbursts with or in front of children.
• Contact relatives, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and witnesses who can corroborate your innocence or character if your child abuse attorney instructs you to do so.
• Maintain positive and supportive relationships with your own children if involved in divorce and custody proceedings. You don’t want to influence your children to take sides, but you do want to make sure they know they are not to blame and feel loved.
• Don’t speak with anyone about your case or its investigation without your Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer’s permission or presence.
• Never speak with police about the allegation without your child abuse lawyer present.

Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer R. J. Manuelian Uses His Vast Array of Resources to Assist the Defense of a Child Abuse Allegation

If you have been accused of child abuse or the harming of a child in Los Angeles or the surrounding areas, contact R.J. Manuelian as soon as possible for a free consultation and advice on how to best protect yourself and your rights.  With the goal of having the child abuse charges dropped before filing and restoration of your relationship with those who have accused you, R.J. will work hard to take all necessary legal steps for a positive outcome to your situation. Should your case end up in court, R.J. will use his vast array of resources to assist you in defending the charge.