Criminal cases involving an assault on a child, or “child abuse” as commonly termed in domestic settings, are the most challenging cases for defendants, and their lawyers. This is especially true when coupled with other familial legal matters like divorce and child custody disputes.
Attorney Joseph Gagliardi understands the challenges you’ll face if you were suspected of such an offense.
All too often people rush to judgmental conclusions in cases like this, which has led to a number of good men and women being falsely accused of an assaultive action that victimizes a child. This is a serious felony offense.
The difference between them going to jail or not; the evidence and, more importantly, the competence of their legal representation.
If you’re seeking consultation with an attorney who is qualified to handle a case like this, we can help you. Call The Gagliardi Law Firm, PLLC at 713-224-6277 to schedule your 100% confidential meeting with Mr. Gagliardi.
Assaultive Offenses on Children & Texas Law
Assault Of a Child/Child-Abuse are defined and addressed by two areas of the Texas legal code; the Texas Family Code and the Texas Penal Code.
In short, crimes against children generally fall under the purview of the Texas Penal Code, while assaultive offenses in the form of abusive neglect are usually dealt with from the perspective of the Texas Family Code (with some exception for poverty stricken families).
Spanking?
Cases involving reasonable physical discipline should NOT BE PROSECUTED.
The Gagliardi Law Firm, PLLC will provide you excellent legal representation regardless of the circumstance(s).
Common Crimes Against Children
- Criminal Code: Sexual Assault
- Criminal Code: Physical Assault
- Criminal Code: Exploitation
- Family Code: Mental & Emotional Injuries
- Family Code: Allowing Child Intoxication
- Family Code: Allowing Child Access/Use of Controlled Substances
- Family Code: Sexual conduct harmful to a child’s psychological of physical welfare
- Family Code: Allowing a child to observe conduct that can be harmful to a child’s psychological or physical welfare
Criminal Penalties If Convicted
A prison sentence of up to 99 Years and/or a 10,000.00 fine will apply to defendants found guilty of intentionally and/or knowingly causing harm to a child.
A prison sentence of up to 20 Years and/or a 10,000.00 fine will apply to defendants found guilty of recklessly causing harm or injury to a child.
A jail term of up to 180 days and/or a fine of up to 2,000.00 will apply to professionals, that work closely with children, who fail to report suspicions of child abuse within 48 hours of seeing evidence of such.
Evidence of Child Abuse
Physical
Some examples of “evidence of child abuse” can include the frequent occurrence of injuries, burns, or any other inexplicable injuries.
Mental
Certain emotional behavior can also been seen as “evidence of child abuse”. Tell-tell emotional behavior can include a resistance to go home, fear of seeing parents, or even abstaining from normal peer-to-peer relationships.
We’ve even seen cases where over-enthused teachers have gone above and beyond the call of duty to make a child’s unique personality cause for unfounded suspicion. Attorney Joseph Gagliardi knows how to handle these type of situations, and is on your side if you need his help.
Attorney Joseph Gagliardi is on Your Side
Whether you were accused of outright intentional assault on a child, reckless child endangerment, sexual assault of a child, or child abuse, you’ll need help fighting back against the State of Texas. When it comes to assaultive offenses against children, the allegation alone is enough to cause havoc in your life.
With our competent legal team on your side you can expect damage control to be initiated immediately, evidence and witnesses scrutinized, and we may even assign your case to our private investigator to get the truth. Regardless of the situation preceding the criminal charge, you’ll need a lawyer on your side. We’re ready to help you.
Contact The Gagliardi Law Firm, PLLC at 713-224-6277 to get started. When you call we’ll schedule a time to discuss the situation. Yes, you’ll meet directly with Attorney Joseph Gagliardi.