“Child abuse” is a term used to describe serious crimes committed against children. They include but are not limited to, sexual assault, physical injury and the threat of physical injury.

Individuals that have committed acts of child neglect or abuse can be charged with one or more of the following crimes:

• Endangering the welfare of a child
• Abandonment of a child
• Sexual Abuse
• Assault

You can be charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child if the police believe you knowingly enabled a child under seventeen to be mentally, physically or morally injured. Examples include leaving your toddler in a parked car while you go shopping, failing to supervise your child in a dangerous situation (ie. allowing a young child near a burning stove), or providing your teenager with drugs or alcohol. Endangering the Welfare of a Child is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a fine and up to a year imprisonment.

If you are charged with a crime that fits the definition of child abuse (or suspect that you are about to be charged), then it is important to hire a criminal defense attorney immediately. If you are convicted, then you could lose custody of your children and be entered in New York’s Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment. In the long run, your future job prospects can be seriously hindered if you have a criminal record.

Although an accusation of abuse of children can engender feelings of anger and disgust, it is imperative to mount a defense against such an accusation: An  accuser or witness may have lied, you may have been inflicting a reasonable amount of discipline that an onlooker interpreted as abuse, or your child may have been injured for reasons that did not involve neglect or abuse. An experienced criminal defense attorney will help you respond to any charges in a way that clearly explains your side of the story.

If you are accused of child abuse in New York Family Court, then the key issue will be whether or not you retain custody of your child. If you face charges in criminal court, then your freedom is also at stake. A good defense attorney will be your advocate in the courtroom and provide you with the best possible chance of moving past the accusation and getting on with your life. Julie Rendelman is a criminal defense attorney with over 20 years of experience. She handles both New York State and federal criminal cases. Call 212-951-1232 for a free consultation or visit www.RendelmanLaw.com to learn more about Ms. Rendelman’s extensive experience.