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 well-being 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 well-being 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 (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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Charge Reduced Felony Child Abuse
Attorney Thompson took over for the Defendant’s prior attorney who was unable to obtain an offer of anything other than a felony conviction. Attorney Thompson prepared a sworn Motion to Dismiss and was offered a misdemeanor with no probation or jail.
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All Charges Dismissed Domestic Battery
Defendant was trapped inside car where her boyfriend was acting aggressive. Defendant had to take legal action against the victim to remove him from vehicle. Attorney Thompson sent letter to State early in the case to outline defenses and mitigation and all charges were dismissed prior to filing.
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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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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, Guidelines Waived, No Probation Failure to Register as a Career Criminal
The Client was arrested out of State for a warrant for failure to register as a career criminal. This violated his probation out of Miami-Dade County, Florida. Attorney Thompson was able to track the Client’s addresses and discovered that his landlord at the time lied to his probation officer about his renting an apartment because the landlord was not zoned to allow tenants. The State agreed to a time-served sentence for the time he spent in custody being transported to Florida.
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No Criminal Charges Filed Public Assistance Fraud
Attorney Thompson and Client reviewed case and met with Department of Revenue investigators to explain the discrepancy. In doing so, the State determined that they would not seek criminal charges, but offered a repayment plan through non-judicial means.