Child Abuse

Child Abuse Defense Attorney

Facing charges related to child abuse involves navigating a complex legal landscape with significant repercussions for all parties involved.

Child abuse is considered a serious crime, comparable in severity to sexual assault under Pennsylvania law. Therefore, individuals accused of such offenses may encounter severe penalties.

Allegations alone can profoundly impact one’s personal life, relationships, marriage, and community reputation, even without a conviction. This underscores the importance of enlisting a skilled and experienced Kittanning criminal attorney’s help when confronted with child abuse charges. At Logue Law Group, our dedicated Kittanning DUI lawyers aim to protect your rights and vigorously defend you against such allegations.

Child abuse includes emotional, physical, and sexual mistreatment, as well as neglect directed at children. Acts of abuse, whether perpetrated by a parent or caregiver, harm or potentially harm a child and can occur in homes, schools, organizations, or community settings.

Categories of Child Abuse

1. Negligence:
2. Involves neglectful acts causing severe physical injury that results in significant pain or permanently impairs a child’s physical functioning.
3. Physical Abuse:
4. Entails harm that poses a threat to a child’s life, physical development, or overall well-being.
5. Psychological Abuse:
6. Includes manipulation or exploitation with severely damaging effects on a child’s mental health.
7. Sexual Abuse:
8. Involves inappropriate behaviors such as sexual games, improper touching, or encouraging a child to engage in sexually explicit acts.

Children who have been abused may show symptoms such as sleep issues, nightmares, aggressive behavior, social withdrawal, and depression. They might also display unease around certain individuals, show early sexual knowledge, or use inappropriate language or behavior for their age.

Reporting Child Abuse

Certain professionals, known as Mandatory Reporters, are required to report any suspected child abuse. These include:

• Teachers
• Clergy
• Doctors
• Child care workers
• Dentists
• Law enforcement officials/police officers

Failing to report suspected child abuse can lead to criminal charges depending on the individual’s role:

• School employees could face a summary offense.
• Other Mandatory Reporters may face a second-degree misdemeanor.

Reports are usually filed with the Department of Child and Youth Services (CYS). During this process, the child may be placed in protective custody, and a forensic interview conducted by a specialist. It’s crucial to note, however, that the questioning techniques used in these interviews might compromise the investigation.

Having a skilled Kittanning criminal attorney who understands the intricate details of these cases is vital.

Kittanning Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are facing an investigation or charges related to child abuse in or near Kittanning, it is imperative to seek assistance from a knowledgeable and experienced Kittanning DUI attorney immediately.

Kittanning criminal attorney Sean Logue brings a unique perspective to these cases through his previous experience prosecuting child abuse and child pornography crimes. With extensive knowledge in these matters, he is prepared to diligently advocate on your behalf. We at Logue Law Group, rigorously challenge any evidence presented against you, ensuring thorough scrutiny of records obtained from CYS. In pursuing justice, we are committed to vigorously disputing any improperly obtained evidence.

Swift, decisive action is essential to protecting your rights. We encourage you to contact us to schedule a consultation as soon as possible.

To arrange a free initial consultation with a highly skilled Kittanning criminal lawyer in the Kittanning area, please reach out online or call 844.PITT.DUI. Our team stands ready to assist you.