Neglect of a Dependent

False child abuse allegations can arise from misdiagnosed medical evidence, unreliable witnesses, or even intentionally false accusations during a custody fight. If a person is accused of any form of child abuse, they should contact an experienced criminal attorney immediately. If police or child protective services suspect that a person has committed child abuse, the investigation may become aggressive and one-sided. An accused person could be pressured to submit to an unreliable polygraph examination and crucial evidence that could prove innocence may be ignored.

Accusations of child abuse can lead to a criminal charge of neglect of a dependent, a Level 6 felony. However, if the alleged neglect resulted in  bodily injury, the offense is a Level 5 felony and a Level 3 felony if serious bodily injury occurred. A Level 3 felony carries a penalty of three to sixteen years in prison. Child abuse cases sometimes rely on controversial medical evidence and can be influenced by strong emotions.

In defending these cases, it is crucial to hire an attorney who is familiar with the complex medical theories that are often asserted in child abuse cases. An experienced criminal attorney can retain a skilled medical expert to challenge the State’s medical evidence. Evidence of accidental injury or inherited disorders can be missed when there is bias in the information presented to doctors. A person accused of neglect should never give a statement without their attorney present.