The state attorney must prove that you knowingly abused the child. If convicted of a child abuse that does not cause great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement, you are facing up to 5 years in prison because the child abuse is considered a third degree felony.

An “Aggravated Child Abuse” occurs when a suspect commits an aggravated battery on a child, willfully tortures, maliciously punishes, willfully cages, or in the course of committing the child abuse, the suspect causes great bodily harm, permanent disability or permanent disfigurement. If you are convicted of aggravated child abuse, the maximum punishment is 30 years in prison because it is considered a first degree felony.

Child Neglect is a felony in Florida that is related to Child Abuse. The crime of child neglect is committed if a caregiver fails to provide a child with the care and supervision necessary to keep the child physically and mentally safe.

Examples of things necessary for children are food, clothes, shelter, supervision, medicine and anything a reasonable person would consider essential. Child neglect can be committed just once or repeatedly. If the neglect does not cause great bodily harm, the neglect is considered a third degree felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison. If the child is harmed, the offender is facing a second degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor is another criminal charge in Florida associated with Child Abuse. A contributing crime occurs when someone commits any act that causes or encourages a child to become a delinquent or when someone induces a child to commit any act that tends to cause the child to become or remain a dependent or delinquent.

Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor is a first degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail.

Contact Attorney Albert Quirantes today for your free case evaluation at 305-644-1800.