Child Abuse

Melbourne Child Abuse Attorney – Child Abuse Lawyer in Melbourne, Florida

Child abuse is a serious offense and a highly politicized issue in Florida. Child abuse charges are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law in Florida. State attorneys pursue child abuse charges with a distinct zeal. If you or someone you know has been charged with child abuse, aggravated child abuse, or child neglect, you need an experienced and aggressive Melbourne criminal defense attorney to fight for your rights at every step of the legal process.

Child Abuse

To prove a charge of child abuse, the State must show that the alleged victim was under 18 at the time of the offense, and that the accused:

intentionally inflicted physical or mental injury on the alleged victim;
committed an intentional act that could reasonably be expected to result in physical or mental injury to the alleged victim; OR
Actively encouraged another person to commit an act that resulted (or could reasonably be expected to result) in physical or mental injury to the victim.

“Abuse” is defined as a “willful or threatened act resulting in physical, mental, or sexual injury or harm, causing or likely to cause impairment of physical, mental, or emotional health”. If you or someone you know has been charged with child abuse, please contact The Canina Law Firm today for a FREE Case Evaluation.

Aggravated Child Abuse

"Aggravated child abuse” can occur when a person: (1) commits aggravated battery on a child; (2) willfully tortures, maliciously punishes, or willfully and unlawfully cages a child; or (2) knowingly or willfully abuses a child and in so doing causes great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement to the child. Aggravated child abuse is a first degree felony and is punishable by up to 50 years in state prison. If you or someone you know has been charged with aggravated child abuse, please contact The Canina Law Firm today for a FREE Case Evaluation.

Child Neglect

“Child neglect” is:

A caregiver’s failure or omission to provide a child with the care, supervision, or services necessary to maintain the child’s physical / mental health, including (but not limited to) food, nutrition, clothing, shelter, supervision, medicine, and medical services that a prudent person would consider essential for the child’s well being; OR
A caregiver’s failure to make reasonable efforts to protect a child from abuse, neglect, or exploitation by another person. Child neglect can be either a second or third degree felony, and is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

If you have been charged with child neglect, please contact The Canina Law Firm today for a FREE Case Evaluation.

Melbourne Criminal Defense Attorney

With over five decades of experience, The Attorneys at the Canina Law Firm have defended hundreds of Brevard County Residents against Child Abuse, Aggravated Child Abuse, and Child Neglect charges. We will work diligently to protect and defend your legal rights. If you have been arrested for child abuse in Melbourne or anywhere in the Brevard County area, please do not hesitate to obtain the advice of an experienced, aggressive criminal defense attorney. Contact The Canina Law Firm today for a FREE Case Evaluation.

Brevard County Florida Criminal Defense Attorney

The Canina Law Firm proudly defends all residents of Brevard County and all cities and towns along Florida’s Space Coast including: Melbourne, Viera, Suntree, West Melbourne, Melbourne Village, Palm Shores, Palm Bay, Rockledge, Merritt Island, Titusville, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne Beach, Indialantic, Indian Harbour Beach, Satellite Beach, Grant, Valkaria, Micco, Barefoot Bay, Scottsmoor, Mims, and Sebastian, as well as neighboring Volusia County, Seminole County, Orange County, Osceola County, and Indian River County, FL.

Your Defense Starts NOW! CONTACT us today for a FREE Case Evaluation!