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Fighting Child Abuse Charges In WI | Eisenberg Law Offices

Fighting Child Abuse Charges In Wisconsin

Child abuse is a serious offense in Wisconsin, resulting in a criminal felony if convicted. Every allegation of child abuse is taken seriously and is thoroughly investigated. When facing child abuse charges, it is vitally important to contact an experienced defense attorney for advice and representation, even if you know the claims to be untrue. Being associated with even a whisper of child abuse – whether proven or not – is enough to derail your life, affect your career and reputation. The best defense is an early defense with help from Eisenberg Law Offices.

Child Abuse Charges In Wisconsin

Wisconsin State Statute 948.03 defines the physical abuse of a child as a crime in the state. Under the statute, the following are considered child abuse crimes:

  • Intentional causation of bodily harm
  • Reckless causation of bodily harm
  • Failing to act to prevent bodily harm
  • Engaging in repeated acts of physical abuse to the same child

Penalties vary depending on the crime and its severity, if the accused has a history of child abuse, and the accused’s role in the abuse (perpetrator vs. witness who failed to protect the child).

Fighting False Child Abuse Charges

Child abuse devastates victims, their families, and their communities. There is very little sympathy for anyone accused of child abuse, even if those charges are unproven or later disproved. Once a reputation has been destroyed, it is very difficult to recover it, which is why it is so important to defend yourself against false charges immediately. Don’t wait in the hopes that the accuser will retract his/her statement. We have seen too many instances when lives have been ruined by false claims of child abuse. The most common ways this occurs are:

  • Accidents or Injuries That are Mistaken for Child Abuse. There are many people involved in the life of a child, parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, babysitters, neighbors. Sometimes well-meaning people mistake normal childhood injuries as evidence of child abuse. They contact the police to report their concerns, and suddenly you find yourself the suspect in a child abuse investigation. Even if you are innocent and the explanation is a simple one, it is always best to work with an attorney to present your side of the story.
  • Blatantly False Allegations to Punish the Accused. Sometimes, people are accused of child abuse not because of well-meaning friends and caregivers, but because the accuser wants to punish the accused. This is common in situations where there are domestic disputes or if parents are going through a divorce or custody battle. The accuser tries to make the other parent look bad to sway the judge’s decision on custody or visitation. Sometimes, false allegations come from the child as a way to obtain leverage over the adult. Again, even if you know the allegations are nonsense, don’t try to fight them on your own. Contact an attorney to help guide you through the process and help you minimize damage to your reputation and your relationship with the child.

Consult Eisenberg Law Offices If You Are Facing Child Abuse Charges

If you need to report child abuse, call 911. Information on the signs of child abuse and how to report it can be found on the Wisconsin Department for Children and Families website. If you are facing child abuse charges in Wisconsin, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at Eisenberg Law Offices to discuss your situation. We offer free consultations and represent clients throughout Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Call Eisenberg Law Offices at 608-256-8356 or email Info@eisenberglaw.org to arrange your free consultation.]]>