Child Abuse Lawyer in Dallas
Defending Against Child Abuse Allegations in Texas
Protecting the safety of children should be a top priority for everyone. It is good that those who suspect child abuse are required to report it, yet there are many times when reports of child abuse are simply untrue. This leaves innocent people at risk of a criminal conviction and consequences that they do not deserve.
If you have been accused of child abuse, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer to help you defend against these charges. Our Dallas child abuse attorney has been providing effective representation for child abuse cases for over 25 years. When you hire the Law Offices of Robert Gregg, we can carefully review your case and then determine how to build a strong defense for your specific circumstances.
Call (214) 891-7536 today if you are facing charges of child abuse, our Dallas attorney can help.
Mandatory Reporting Requirement in Texas
With roughly 65,000 cases of child abuse reported annually in Texas, it is not uncommon for parents to be reported to authorities by family members, friends, neighbors, coworkers, teachers, and other community members. It is their legal obligation to do so. Under Texas law, every individual who has cause to believe that child abuse or neglect has or will occur must report it.
Once a report is filed with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), Child Protective Services (CPS) is responsible for carrying out an investigation to determine the nature and extent of the problem. The CPS must ensure the safety of the child and take action to protect the child if necessary. If child abuse is present, CPS must report the problem to a law enforcement agency within 48 hours of discovery or suspicion.
Defining Child Abuse
Child abuse is the mistreatment of a child that results in harm or injury.
Child abuse can take many forms, including:
- Neglect: Failure to provide for a child’s basic physical, emotional, or medical needs
- Physical abuse: Causing a physical injury to a child that results in substantial harm, such as bruises, fractures, or death
- Emotional abuse: Any action that results in a significant impact on the child’s growth, development, or psychological functioning
- Sexual abuse: When a child is forced or persuaded to take part in sexual activities
Depending on the type of harm experienced by a child, any form of child abuse may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. A conviction for child abuse can result in substantial fines, long-term incarceration, or probation.
When child abuse involves a parent, guardian, or someone with legal custody of the child, the court can:
- Limit parental rights
- Impose restraining orders
- Place the child in protective custody with a foster family or state agency
- Require parent visitation to be supervised by a monitor
- Order individual or family therapy
- Remove a parent’s right to care for the child
Let Us Help You with Your Legal Battle
When you need aggressive legal representation to defend against child abuse charges, our Dallas child abuse lawyer is here for you. At the Law Offices of Robert Gregg, we understand the implications that a criminal conviction can have on your personal and professional life. Let our legal team handle all the stress and worry of this difficult situation for you.
Call (214) 891-7536 today to schedule your free case evaluation. We defend clients throughout Texas.