
Daytona Beach Child Neglect Defense Lawyer
Fighting for Clients In Deland, Daytona Beach and Throughout Central Florida
Child neglect is a serious crime that has many life changing consequences. If you have been arrested for child neglect, it is important to understand what you have been charged with, and what consequences you could be facing.
With offices in Deland and Daytona Beach, Thompson Law, P.A. has represented clients throughout Central Florida for over 18 years. Contact us today at (386) 280-4977!
What is Child Neglect?
Florida statute 827 defines child neglect as the following:
- A caregiver’s failure or omission to provide a child with the care, supervision, and services necessary to maintain the child’s physical and mental health including but not limited to items or services that a reasonable person would consider essential for the wellbeing of the child, or;
- A caregiver’s failure to make a reasonable effort to protect a child from abuse, neglect, or exploitation by another person.
Ultimately, Child Neglect is committing a crime by omission. Failing to take care of a child when you are the caregiver.
Who is Considered a Caregiver?
A caregiver is a person who is responsible for the health and physical/mental wellbeing of a child. A caregiver does not necessarily mean “parent”, though parents certainly fall within that category.
Child Neglect v. Child Abuse
Both child neglect and child abuse are outlined in Florida Statute 827. Sometimes, in the media, it seems as though the terms are used interchangeably. What is the difference between child neglect and child abuse? The important distinction is in the action of the crime. Child abuse is an action taken against a child. Child neglect is a failure to act for the child. An example of the difference would be the following: the action of striking a child can be child abuse. Child neglect would be failing to provide food for the child. The difference between the two is in the action, or lack thereof. The two crimes also have different consequences.
Child Neglect Consequences
Child neglect is a serious crime, that has life altering consequences. A person who is charged and convicted of child neglect with great bodily harm to the child, will be facing a charge of a felony in the second degree. A second degree felony is punishable by up to fifteen years in prison, and a $10,000 fine. A person who is charged with child neglect without great bodily harm to the child, will be facing a charge of a felony in the third degree. A third degree felony is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
These consequences are severe and can change your life forever. If you are charged with child neglect, you need someone on your side who has the experience to fight for you. Attorney Matthew Thompson has been practicing law for over 13 years. He has handled numerous child neglect cases, both as a criminal defense attorney and a prosecutor. He brings this knowledge to your case to craft a defense unique to what your case needs. For a free consultation with attorney Matthew Thompson, call our office today at }. 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 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.
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All Charges Dismissed Battery
The Client was working as a part time substitute teacher to help generate income to help his sick child granddaughter. While working there were children acting up and he instructed the child to stay in his seat while the others went to recess. The child claimed that the client hit him and told administration. Attorney Thompson did a public records request to obtain reports from the Department of Children and Families and noticed serious discrepancies in the child’s story. Attorney Thompson was able to p
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All Charges Dismissed Racing on the Highway
Client was arrested after leaving a car show in a fast vehicle. Officers suspected the client of racing another vehicle and police officers pulled him over, drug him out of his vehicle, and arrested him for both racing on the highway and resisting an officer without violence. Upon review of the body camera video, Attorney Matt Thompson raised an excessive use of force complaint against the arresting officer. All charges against the client were dismissed.
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All Charges Dismissed Domestic Battery
Client and his husband were involved in a verbal argument. The alleged victim contacted police against the claiming that he threw a glass of milk on him. Under the law, this is considered a battery. Attorney Thompson represented the Client on both the criminal case and the injunction and both were dismissed.
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Charges Reduced Sale and Possession of Heroin
Defendant entered a treatment facility while case was pending. Attorney Thompson provided progress reports of all of her progress during her stay to show improvement. State agreed to amend all charges to simple possession and the Defendant was sentenced into Drug Court.
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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