Daytona Beach Child Abuse Defense Lawyer
We Have Offices Conveniently Located in Deland and Daytona Beach
Child abuse is a very serious crime. We have seen it in the movies, and heard horror stories on the news. What happens if you are accused and arrested for child abuse? What do you need to know? First it is important to note that just like most crimes, there are levels of child abuse that address the severity of the crime committed. It is important to understand the different levels, and to understand what charge you could be facing. Florida Statute 827 outlines these different levels, child abuse and aggravated child abuse, and the consequences you will face if you are convicted of those crimes.
Florida statute outlines child abuse as the following:
- When someone intentionally inflicts physical or mental injury upon a child;
- When someone commits an intentional act that could be reasonably expected to result in physical or mental injury to a child;
- When someone actively encourages any other person to commit an act that would be reasonably expected to result in physical or mental injury of the child.
If you are accused and convicted of child abuse without great bodily harm, you will be facing a felony in the third degree. A felony in the third degree is punishable by up to five years in prison, and up to $5,000 in fines.
Have you been charged with a crime in Central Florida? With offices conveniently located in DeLand and Daytona Beach, our team can defend you against your criminal charges. Contact us today at (386) 280-4977!
The crime of child abuse escalates in severity depending on how severe the abuse of the child was. This is can be determined by the level of harm caused to the child. If the abuse is severe, the crime becomes aggravated child abuse. Florida statute defines aggravated child abuse as the occurring when:
- A person commits aggravated battery on a child.
- Willfully tortures, maliciously punishes, or willfully and unlawfully cages a child;
- Knowingly or willingly abuses a child and in doing so causes great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement to the child.
According to the statute outlined above, maliciously means to do something wrongfully, intentionally, and without legal justification or excuse. If you are convicted of aggravated child abuse, you will be facing a first degree felony charge. A first degree felony is punishable by prison sentence of up to 30 years, and up to $10,000 in fines.
The crime of child abuse is serious. A prison sentence, especially one as long as 30 years, is something that disrupts and impacts your life forever. In addition, no one wants to carry around the label of a “child abuser.” If you are charged with child abuse or aggravated child abuse, you need to take it seriously. You need someone on your side who will fight for you, and has the experience to help you put your life back together after your arrest. Attorney Matthew Thompson has years of experience. First serving a prosecutor, Attorney Thompson has trial experience and first-hand knowledge of how the State works in these types of cases. Matt Thompson has handled many child abuse cases before, and brings that experience to your case. He will craft a custom defense specifically for you, to defend your ways the way you deserve. For a free consultation, call Thomson Law today at (386) 280-4977. Your consultation can be scheduled in DeLand or Daytona Beach, depending on your location, we make it easy and convenient for you to get the legal representation you need.
Client-Focused. RESULT-DRIVEN.
Working Closely with You To Build a Strong Case
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All Charges Dismissed Resisting an Officer Without Violence
The Client was attending a wedding and stayed in a hotel after the reception. Someone called the police regarding a noise complaint. When the police arrived, the Client would not allow the police to enter his hotel room. The police forced entry and arrested the Client for Resisting and Officer Without Violence. Attorney Thompson provided case law to the State that shows that the police officer did not have the right to enter the hotel room and arrest the Client.
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Charges Reduced to Simple Assault Aggravated Assault with a Firearm
At the time these charges were filed, the State of Florida had a 3-year minimum mandatory for Aggravated Assault with a Firearm. Neighbors of the Client claimed that he pointed a shot gun at them and fired over their heads when they came onto his property. Police came out the following day and arrested the Client. Attorney Thompson found a CAD report where the police had investigated the crime the night of the incident and determined that there was insufficient evidence of the arrest. Attorney Thompson
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All Charges Dismissed Aggravated Battery on and Elderly Person
The Defendant and his wife allowed the wife’s elderly mother to come to their home and remove her personal items. During this time the mother began to yell obscenities and attacked E.B. Both parties tried to remove the mother from the home and prevent further physical violence. The mother contacted police and stated that she had been attacked. Attorney Thompson contacted the State Attorney’s Office and met with opposing counsel before charges were filed.
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No Charges Filed and Prevented Arrest Grand Theft
Client was caring for her special needs sister. While caring for her she received advice from bank personnel to place her sister’s Disability Checks into a bank account in the Client’s name to avoid other family members from stealing money. Once the family members discovered this they called the police to investigate the Client. Attorney Thompson put together documentation showing how the money was being spent and met with police to further explain the situation. The police determined that there was no
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Penalties Reduced Grand Theft, Fleeing, Possession of a Fictitious Driver’s License
Attorney Matt Thompson, through depositions and litigation was able to show that officers did not act according to the warrant by picking up the client immediately upon sight. The charge of Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Law Enforcement, which carries a mandatory felony conviction, was dismissed by the State and the client was offered probation and no felony conviction.
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All Charges Dismissed Robbery
Attorney Thompson met with the Client soon after his arrest. It was clear that the person who was in the vehicle with the Client was the person guilty of committing the robbery and that the Client was more of a bystander. Attorney Thompson provided information to the State Attorney’s Office to separate the Client from the co-defendant. The information provided to the State resulted in all charges against the Defendant being dismissed.