Los Angeles Child Abuse Lawyer
Our child abuse lawyer provides strong, compassionate representation for both the defense of the accused and the pursuit of justice for victims. We understand the gravity of these cases and act swiftly to protect your rights, your future, and the well-being of the child involved.
Definition of Child Abuse Under California Law
Under California law, child abuse refers to any act or failure to act by a parent, caregiver, or another responsible party that results in harm, risk of harm, or exploitation of a child.
Child abuse cases are governed by several sections of the California Penal Code, including Penal Code §273d and related statutes. The law recognizes both intentional acts and neglectful behavior as abuse, meaning a person does not have to intend harm to face serious criminal consequences.
Types of Child Abuse in California
Child abuse can take many forms, and California law treats each type with extreme seriousness.
Physical abuse:
involves intentionally inflicting bodily injury on a child, including hitting, shaking, burning, or any act that causes physical harm.
Emotional abuse:
occurs when repeated behavior damages a child’s emotional development or self-worth, such as constant verbal attacks, threats, or humiliation
Sexual abuse:
includes any sexual act, exploitation, or inappropriate contact involving a minor, whether force is used or not.
Neglect:
involves failing to provide a child with basic necessities such as food, shelter, medical care, or proper supervision, placing the child at risk of harm.
Each type of abuse can lead to criminal charges, child protective services involvement, and long-term legal consequences.
What Happens After a Child Abuse Arrest
After a child abuse arrest in California, law enforcement and child protective services typically begin parallel investigations. The accused may be taken into custody, questioned, and formally charged by the prosecutor.
Courts may issue restraining orders, remove the child from the home, or impose strict bail conditions. These early stages are critical, as statements, evidence, and procedural mistakes can significantly impact the outcome of the case.
Having a criminal attorney involved immediately can help protect your rights and prevent irreversible damage to your defense or claim.
Child Abuse Defense Strategies
Defending a child abuse charge requires a careful and strategic approach. Common defenses may include false accusations, lack of intent, insufficient evidence, or situations where injuries were accidental or misinterpreted. In some cases, medical conditions or disciplinary actions may be wrongfully classified as abuse.
Our attorneys thoroughly examine evidence, interview witnesses, work with experts, and challenge unlawful procedures to ensure that our clients receive a fair and aggressive defense under California law.
Why You Should Have a Child Abuse Lawyer
Child abuse cases carry some of the harshest penalties in the California legal system, including prison time, loss of parental rights, and permanent damage to reputation. Whether you are defending against charges or seeking justice for a child, navigating the legal system alone can be overwhelming and risky.
An experienced child abuse lawyer understands how prosecutors build these cases, how evidence is evaluated, and how to protect your rights at every stage.
Legal representation ensures that your voice is heard and that the case is handled with the seriousness and sensitivity it deserves.
Contact California Criminal Defense Center for Child Abuse Attorney Today
If you are facing a child abuse allegation or need legal help pursuing justice for a child, do not wait. Early legal intervention can make a critical difference in the outcome of your case. Contact our office today for a confidential consultation and let an experienced California child abuse attorney guide you through this difficult time with clarity, strength, and compassion.
Work with expert lawyers
Unlike many law offices that assign client cases to young associates, attorney Ardalon Fakhimi will personally handle all significant aspects of your case from start to finish, including all settlement discussions, negotiations, and the trial. He will personally answer all of your questions and navigate you through every stage of your case. We never use inexperienced associates who are just learning the practice of DUI law and criminal law. Similarly, we are NOT a high volume law office. Rather, we emphasize a very personalized attorney-client relationship where our clients are in continuous contact with their DUI and criminal lawyer; not their lawyer’s assistant. Finally, we are a detail-oriented law office that meticulously strategizes every case. That means no stone remains unturned during the course of our representation and through the final disposition of your case.
We serve clients from Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, Torrance, for Domestic Violence, Petty Thefts, DUI Under-21 Cases.
Areas We Serve:
We defend our clients throughout California, including: Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Irvine, Inland Empire, Ventura, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can child abuse charges be dropped in California?
Yes, child abuse charges can be reduced or dismissed depending on the evidence, witness credibility, and how the case is handled. Early involvement of an experienced attorney greatly increases the chances of a favorable outcome.
Is child abuse always charged as a felony?
Not always. Some child abuse cases may be charged as misdemeanors or wobblers, meaning they can be filed as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the circumstances, severity of harm, and prior history.
Will Child Protective Services be involved in every case?
In most child abuse cases, Child Protective Services becomes involved to assess the child’s safety. Their findings can significantly impact both criminal proceedings and custody matters, making legal representation essential.