Salt Lake City Criminal Defense Lawyer - Child Abuse
A charge of criminal child abuse carries enormous social
stigma in addition to possible jail or prison time and thousands of
dollars in fines. As an experienced
criminal
defense attorney in Salt Lake City, Utah, Stephen Howard has
successfully defended child abuse charges ranging from child abuse
homicide to misdemeanor negligent abuse. If you are facing
child abuse charges in Salt Lake City or elsewhere in Utah, you deserve
a criminal lawyer with a
real
record of successful results.
The two most important factors in determining the level of a Salt Lake
City child abuse charge are the severity of the injuries and the mental
state of the defendant. Serious injuries inflicted
intentionally can result in a
felony
conviction and up to 15 years in
prison. Minor injuries inflicted with only criminal
negligence are punishable as a class B
misdemeanor
with up to 180 days
in jail.
There is often significant dispute regarding the cause of an injury in
a
child
abuse case. Testimony from medical experts may be
necessary to determine how the injuries were caused or even who may
have caused them. Having an attorney with experience medical
reports and cross-examining medical experts can be critical to a
successful outcome in your case.
False allegations of child abuse are sometimes made. The
source of a false allegation may be a child who is seeking attention,
an ex-spouse trying to gain an advantage in a custody battle, mistaken
medical examinations, or mistaken identities.
When you are charged with child abuse, under the protections guaranteed
by our Constitution, you are presumed to be innocent. But the
emotional effect of a child abuse charge on a jury can sometimes be
overpowering. To give yourself the best chance of winning
your case, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side.
Contact us now to
schedule a free consultation on your case and see what an experienced
Utah
criminal defense lawyer
can do for you.
The best outcome is more likely when the right strategy is employed. Developing the best strategy can require real courtroom experience, a thorough understanding of procedural and substantive legal issues, and a determination to ensure that important constitutional and other legal rights are protected. Choosing the right attorney....
Strategy
»
Even a "minor" misdemeanor carries the potential for jail time and significant fines. The direct penalties and collateral consequences of a felony conviction are even more severe. Understanding these consequences is critical as you make decisions relating to your case. Even in a misdemeanor case, you should not....
Consequences
»
Facing criminal prosecution in Utah can feel like your world is collapsing. But there are reasons to remain hopeful, and there are things you can do right now that can help increase the odds of a successful outcome. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you evaluate the various options you have, and can help you....
Reasons to Hope
»