It is not uncommon for individuals accused of domestic violence to also face charges of child neglect. Charges of this type are extremely serious, as even the implication of child neglect can ruin a person’s reputation and introduce potential biases in the minds of the jury and prosecution. Depending on the severity of the alleged mistreatment, child neglect can potentially be charged as a felony offense in the state of Wisconsin, exposing defendants to the possibility of decades in prison, exorbitant fines, and a possible loss of child custody. If you have been accused of child neglect or abuse, your top priority should be to retain the services of a powerful child neglect defense attorney as soon as possible to protect yourself against serious consequences.
At the Law Offices of Christopher J. Cherella, our Milwaukee criminal defense attorney has more than 20 years of dedicated experience defending the rights of the accused. Backed by unanimous support from past clients and an Avvo Clients’ Choice Award for our outstanding legal advocacy, we have what it takes to guard your freedom and parental rights.
Do not take any chances – call (414) 347-9334 or contact our office today.
What is Considered Child Neglect?
As opposed to child abuse which involves physical, mental, or emotional torment, child neglect is more passive. A child is considered neglected when their parent or guardian fails, for reasons other than poverty, to provide them with the necessary care, clothing, food, shelter, or medical and dental care to a point where it endangers their physical wellbeing. Under Wisconsin State law, individuals do not need to actually cause harm to a child in order to face child neglect charges; merely the act of endangering a child is sufficient.
Penalties For Child Neglect:
- If no harm results to the child, child neglect is charged as a Class A misdemeanor, carrying up to 9 months in jail and up to $10,000 in fines.
- Conversely, serious incidents of child neglect which result in serious bodily harm or death are charged as felony offenses, carrying up to 25 years in prison and fines up to $100,000.
To be convicted of child neglect, the state must prove the following:
- The child was under 18 years of age
- The defendant was responsible for the child’s welfare
- The defendant intentionally endangered the child
Oftentimes, neglect cases are based on hearsay or circumstantial evidence and involve a considerable amount of gray area. Even acts such as simply leaving your child in the car while you run to the store can be illegal depending on the circumstances. Our criminal defense attorneys can work to protect you against these accusations and ensure you are treated fairly during this difficult time.
Discuss Your Charges Today
With stakes this high, you cannot afford to leave your case in the hands of a less experienced attorney. At the Law Offices of Christopher J. Cherella, our Milwaukee criminal defense attorney understands what is at stake and is prepared to fight tooth and nail to protect your reputation and parental rights. Unlike many other firms who hand their cases off to paralegals after being retained, we maintain a personalized involvement in each case we take on, ensuring each client receives the individual attention they deserve at all times. Defending your wellbeing is our top priority, and we are dedicated to doing everything within our power to help you get through this difficult time with your freedom and dignity intact.
Schedule a no-cost, no-obligation case review today to discover your legal options.
