Child abuse and neglect are extremely serious crimes, and an accusation alone can be enough to damage a person’s reputation. If you have been charged with domestic violence or child abuse, you may be facing an uphill battle and you need an attorney in your corner who understands the challenges ahead. Our Milwaukee criminal defense attorneys have substantial experience defending the rights of the accused against even the most severe of charges. When your future is on the line, do not hesitate to contact the Law Offices of Christopher J. Cherella.
Do not let accusations of child abuse endanger your future. Schedule a FREE consultation and get your Wisconsin child abuse questions answered.
Wisconsin Child Abuse Laws Explained
Under Wisconsin law, child abuse offenses generally involve intentional or reckless conduct that causes physical injury, sexual abuse or mental harm to a child, as well as certain forms of exploitation and neglect. This can include physical injury, sexual contact, sexual exploitation and conduct that causes significant psychological harm.
Wisconsin statutes distinguish between intentional and reckless conduct. For example, intentionally causing bodily harm to a child is a Class H felony, while intentionally causing great bodily harm is a Class C felony. In the most serious cases, such as repeated abuse or abuse that results in a child’s death, related offenses can be charged as high level felonies, including Class A.
The law also holds caregivers responsible when they knowingly fail to act to protect a child from harm, even if they did not directly inflict the injury. Understanding how these laws work is critical if you are under investigation or facing charges, since exaggerated claims, misremembered events or false allegations can still lead to serious criminal consequences.
What Are the Different Forms of Child Abuse?
The laws regarding child abuse are built to defend children in legal gray areas which means that exaggerated claims, misremembered events, and false accusations may result in charges. The first step in overcoming accusations is to understand what the law may consider to be child abuse. Generally, any physical or emotional harm that is purposely or knowingly inflicted upon a child may be considered abuse. Depending on the circumstances of the alleged event, the failure to take action can also constitute abuse.
Types of child abuse can include:
- Neglect: Acts of neglect refer to the failure of a parent to provide for the basic needs of a child. This can include acts such as withholding food, shelter, clothing, or medical care.
- Sexual abuse: Often among the most severely charged, abuse of a sexual nature can include contact, exploitation, or exposure to sexual attention.
- Emotional abuse: Emotional abuse can be difficult to quantify but typically refers to injuries of a psychological nature. This can include repeated acts of coercion, belittlement, purposeful embarrassment of a child, or isolation.
- Physical abuse: While the most apparent form of physical abuse may be striking a child, the perceived threat of imminent physical violence may also constitute abuse.
The punishments for child abuse can be severe including time in prison and steep fines. A convict may also be barred from living or working in places that would place them in direct contact with children. Wisconsin takes accusations very seriously and even the failure to report abuse or the false reporting of abuse can be met with up to $1000 in fines and 6 months in jail. Each case will be unique, and our attorneys can consult with you to help you understand the specific details of your case.
Penalties for Child Abuse in Wisconsin
Child abuse penalties in Wisconsin vary based on the nature and severity of the offense. Intentional or reckless acts that cause bodily harm to a child are classified as felonies, with punishments ranging from several years to life in prison. Potential penalties include:
- Class I Felony: Recklessly causing forms of bodily harm to a child is punishable by up to 3.5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
- Class H Felony: Intentionally causing bodily harm to a child carries up to six years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
- Class F Felony: Intentionally causing bodily harm by conduct that creates a high probability of great bodily harm, is punishable by up to 12.5 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
- Class E Felony: Recklessly causing great bodily harm to a child can result in up to 15 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.
- Class C Felony: Repeated acts of physical abuse or abuse resulting in great bodily harm can lead to up to 40 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.
- Class A Felony: In cases involving repeated abuse or abuse that results in death, penalties can include life imprisonment and the loss of certain civil rights.
A conviction for child abuse also results in a permanent felony record, which can affect employment, housing, and other aspects of life long after sentencing. If you are facing child abuse charges in Wisconsin, it is important to seek experienced criminal defense attorneys to protect your rights and minimize the potential consequences.
What Can You Do If You're Accused of Child Abuse in Wisconsin?
- Seek legal representation immediately. Child abuse charges are extremely serious and can result in severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines.
- Do not speak to law enforcement or social services without your attorney present.
- Gather all relevant documents, records, and contact information for potential witnesses to support your defense.
- Allow your attorney to review the evidence, challenge the prosecution’s case, and ensure your rights are protected.
- Be prepared to provide a full account of the situation to your attorney, including any alternative explanations for the alleged events.
- With the right legal support, your attorney will ensure your side of the story is heard and your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Why Hire a Child Abuse Defense Lawyer?
Being accused of child abuse in Wisconsin can have devastating consequences for your family, relationships, and future. A child abuse defense lawyer is essential to protect your rights and defend your freedom throughout the legal process. From reviewing evidence and challenging witness statements to negotiating with prosecutors and representing you in court, a skilled defense attorney ensures every step of your case is handled strategically.
At Law Offices of Christopher J. Cherella, our experienced child abuse defense attorneys provide aggressive representation for individuals accused of child abuse. We understand the emotional and legal challenges you face and are committed to defending your rights, minimizing penalties, and protecting your parental relationships. Our team will guide you through interactions with social services, custody concerns, and all court procedures to help secure the best possible outcome for your case.
How Our Milwaukee Child Abuse Lawyers Can Help
If you have been accused of child abuse in Wisconsin, do not waste any time in contacting the Law Offices of Christopher J. Cherella. Our lead Milwaukee child abuse attorney is a former prosecutor who can draw upon more than 20 years of experience to stay one step ahead of the charges against you. At our Milwaukee criminal defense law firm, we work one-on-one with every client to see that no question goes unanswered. With so much on the line, you need the best criminal defense in your corner.
Our Milwaukee child abuse lawyers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact us at (414) 347-9334 today to get started.
