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Defending Against Child Abuse Allegations in Los Angeles
Child abuse refers to any intentional act that leads to physical, emotional, or sexual injury to a child, either visible or internal. If you’re facing accusations or charges of child abuse or molestation in Los Angeles, it’s crucial to seek the services of an experienced Los Angeles child abuse attorney as quickly as possible.
Knowing the criminal justice system is essential if you want to mount a successful defense against child abuse allegations. Do not make the mistake of talking to the police or a prosecutor without consulting a lawyer first. Doing so can only make things worse for you.
While spanking is often excluded as a form of child abuse, parents do not have the right to inflict any type of injury on their children. Depending on the circumstances, a lawyer may use spanking as a defense against a child abuse allegation. It’s essential to remember that Los Angeles’s laws prohibit hurting children, even if the perpetrator is related to the victim.
Los Angeles Laws Regarding Child Abuse
When someone is accused of causing harm to a child, several Los Angeles criminal laws apply. Below are a few examples:
1. Penal Code 288, 288.5 – lascivious or lewd acts on a child: This is the section under which most child abuse crimes in California are prosecuted.
2. Penal Code 273a(a) – endangerment or abuse of a child: An individual who participates in actions that result in bodily injury or death to a child may be charged with child endangerment.
3. Penal Code 273d – physical abuse of a child: It’s against the law to inflict corporal punishment on a minor. Any type of cruel punishment inflicted on a child’s body qualifies as corporal punishment.
4. Penal Code 311.11 – possession of child pornography: It is illegal to have photos, images, files or videos depicting minors engaging in sexual conduct.
5. Penal Code 261.5 – statutory rape: It is illegal to have sexual intercourse with someone under the age of 18.
6. Penal Code 647.6 – molesting a child: It is unlawful to annoy or bother a child. Annoying a child is defined as any repeated or continued acts intended to disturb or irritate the child. Making sexual advances to a child is against the law.
Penalties for Child Abuse
1. Child Endangerment: The punishment for misdemeanor offenses is one year in county jail. If charged as a felony, the penalty is 2 to 6 years in state prison.
2. Lewd Acts: The punishment for this offense is a sentence of 3 to 16 years in state prison since it is felonious. The convict will also be required to register as a sex offender and fund the victim’s medical treatment.
3. Physical child abuse: If charged as a misdemeanor, the penalty is one year in county jail. If charged as a felony, the offender will have to spend 2 to 6 years in state prison.
4. Statutory rape: The punishment for misdemeanor offenses is one year in county jail. For felony charges, the sentence is 2 to 6 years in state prison.
Crimes that involve children often have serious consequences. Both the law enforcement and the community at large assume that you are guilty. If you’re charged with child abuse, it’s challenging to receive sentences that are lenient, such as probation or minimal jail time. Therefore, the most effective approach to fight allegations involving child abuse crimes is to mount a robust defense right from the start. When you’re facing child abuse allegations, contact our law firm promptly so that we can assist you with your case.
When it comes to child abuse cases, swift action during the early stages is critical. Contact us today, and we’ll provide the defense possible for your case.
| Laws | Description |
|---|---|
| Penal Code 288, 288.5 | Lascivious or lewd acts on a child. This is the section under which most child abuse crimes in California are prosecuted. |
| Penal Code 273a(a) | Endangerment or abuse of a child. An individual who participates in actions that result in bodily injury or death to a child may be charged with child endangerment. |
| Penal Code 273d | Physical abuse of a child. It’s against the law to inflict corporal punishment on a minor. Any type of cruel punishment inflicted on a child’s body qualifies as corporal punishment. |
| Penal Code 311.11 | Possession of child pornography. It is illegal to have photos, images, files or videos depicting minors engaging in sexual conduct. |
| Penal Code 261.5 | Statutory rape. It is illegal to have sexual intercourse with someone under the age of 18. |
| Penal Code 647.6 | Molesting a child. It is unlawful to annoy or bother a child. Annoying a child is defined as any repeated or continued acts intended to disturb or irritate the child. Making sexual advances to a child is against the law. |
| Penalties | Description |
|---|---|
| Child Endangerment | The punishment for misdemeanor offenses is one year in county jail. If charged as a felony, the penalty is 2 to 6 years in state prison. |
| Lewd Acts | The punishment for this offense is a sentence of 3 to 16 years in state prison since it is felonious. The convict will also be required to register as a sex offender and fund the victim’s medical treatment. |
| Physical child abuse | If charged as a misdemeanor, the penalty is one year in county jail. If charged as a felony, the offender will have to spend 2 to 6 years in state prison. |
| Statutory rape | The punishment for misdemeanor offenses is one year in county jail. For felony charges, the sentence is 2 to 6 years in state prison. |
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