If you are looking for an Indianapolis child abuse attorney, understand that whether the word of the child in question or a concerned adult, an accusation of child abuse, sexual assault, sexual contact, or other sex offenses, or endangerment involving a dependent child is difficult to overcome. Such an allegation involves a child’s physical abuse, emotional abuse, or sexual abuse and can be substantiated by witness statements, photographs, bodily injury, threats, intentional neglect, or failure to provide necessary support under Indiana state law. These serious charges carry criminal penalties and require legal assistance to provide guidance and legal support for the victim and accused under the circumstances.
As black and white as this allegation may seem, accusations of child abuse, child neglect, or other crimes can result from miscommunication, misunderstanding, or even malice. Some tumultuous divorce proceedings can involve a child’s parents alleging abuse to gain favor in custody matters, risking parental rights and the family’s future. A DHS, Department of Child Services, or criminal investigation can be time-intensive and result in charges under Indiana law, including severe penalties and potential trial, that you need to fight and defend yourself against to secure the best possible outcome.
Why Choose Stan Wruble As Your Indianapolis Child Abuse Attorney?
At Wruble Law LLC, under the leadership of Stan Wruble, you’re entitled to an Indianapolis child abuse lawyer with experience and the ability to navigate the nuances of an Indiana child abuse allegation while protecting your legal rights and providing support throughout the court process. With his professorial experience at Notre Dame and Northwestern and his experience as a defense lawyer, you will have access to a premium defense with Stan Wruble and a legal team known for going the extra mile.
Reach out to our Indianapolis defense attorney for a free case review by calling (317)-308-8584.
What Is Child Abuse?
According to Title 31-34-1-2 of the Indiana Code, child abuse is defined as an “act or omission of parent, guardian, or custodian seriously endangering a child’s physical or mental health” and creating a substantial risk of harm. A child is considered this when “a child is in need of services if or before the child is 18.”
Under this statute, the following are considered abuse:
- Assisting Suicide
- Simple battery
- Domestic Battery
- Aggravated Battery
- Strangulation
- Female Genital Mutilation
- Neglect of a Dependent
In Title 35-46-1-4 of the Indiana Code, neglect is defined as a person “responsible for the care of a dependent and knowingly or intentionally:
- Places the dependent in a situation that endangers the dependent’s life or health, with or without any injury caused, such as serious permanent disfigurement
- Abandons or cruelly confines the dependent
- Deprives the dependent of necessary support, including medical care
- Or deprives the dependent of education as required by law.
Depending on the severity of the charges, a conviction for high-level child abuse or child molestation in Indiana can lead to 20 to 40 years of imprisonment.
Without context, abuse and neglect are considered absolutes. However, allegations can be unfounded, or assumptions made without context when an individual decides to report suspected child abuse (which under Indiana law is a mandatory report law, and failure to report suspected child abuse is a class B misdemeanor). In these cases, a defense can be mounted to attack the evidence, discredit the accuser or the accusers, and challenge the often complex medical testimony and expert witnesses involved. Just because you face an accusation doesn’t mean all hope is lost and legal help is unobtainable.
Contact A Wruble Law LLC Lawyer To Defend Your Indiana Child Abuse Case
You probably have more questions about your case since you now understand the extent of child abuse accusations and all they may entail. You may be concerned about the penalties you are facing, the scope of the investigation, including whether a charge could be a class B misdemeanor or another misdemeanor punishable by law, and the duration of the case itself.
Understanding the exact stakes is critical, as penalties vary wildly depending on the charge (for example, a lower-level neglect can lead to imprisonment for 6 months to 2.5 years; child molestation can lead to 20 to 40 years of imprisonment). Beyond prison time, it is vital to know that a felony conviction permanently restricts future employment opportunities with vulnerable populations, including schools and daycare facilities.
That’s why our Indianapolis child abuse lawyer and law firm are here to provide legal representation. By receiving a free consultation from Wruble Law, you can have your case assessed and your questions answered. Our skilled team has a proven track record and is committed to defending you in your hour of need, especially regarding your Indiana child abuse defense, including navigating the complexities of CHINS cases, safety plans, and involuntary termination of parental rights.
Rest assured, though you may find your case overwhelming and the future uncertain, our team of Indianapolis child abuse attorneys will stand by your side and defend you to the utmost of our abilities. Stan Wruble is a highly skilled child abuse lawyer who combines extensive legal knowledge of Indiana family and juvenile statutes with compassion and dedication to protect the rights of his clients.
So reach out for your free, no-obligation case review by calling an experienced attorney at (317)-308-8584 or contacting us now for trusted legal help from a great attorney who understands the urgency of crisis management in child abuse cases and the importance of protecting your parental rights against failing to report or other allegations.