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Best Orange County Child Abuse Attorney

Child abuse accusations in Orange County require immediate aid from the best Orange County child abuse attorney. There is a lot to learn about these charges with plenty of jargon that would best be navigated by someone who understands the law. You can find that person at Johnson Criminal Law Group.

Orange County Child Abuse

The best Orange County child abuse attorney will navigate through these charges with the goal being to get you to the other side safely. The California Penal Code defines child abuse in Penal Code 273d PC as imposing physical injury or cruel punishment on a minor under the age of 18. These charges cover a wide array of situations and could be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony with up to 6 years in jail or prison. However, parenting requires a bit of punishment at times so the question is, where is the line drawn? Some easy examples to consider include hitting a child with enough strength to leave a mark, punching a child, or even hitting a child with an object with enough strength that is considered to be harder than reasonable. There is also the mandatory reporting law that is specific to California.

Orange County Child Abuse Attorney Parent Standing Over a Teenage Boy Sitting on the Ground
The best Orange County child abuse attorney will navigate through these charges with the goal being to get you to the other side safely.
California Mandatory Reporting Law

The best Orange County child abuse attorney will know that there is more to child abuse laws that deal with more than just the child and the accused abuser. California has a mandatory reporting law that requires all school personnel and anyone who works with children to report any signs of abuse to the proper authorities. These people who work with our children must look for warning signs before reporting anything to anyone. However, they are not just looking for physical abuse. In fact, California’s mandatory reporting laws cover emotional abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse. The law requires them to report all known or suspected cases of child abuse in any of the aforementioned categories.

Orange County Child Abuse Attorney Close Up of a Person’s Hands in Handcuffs Resting on a Table
The best Orange County child abuse attorney will navigate through these charges with the goal being to get you to the other side safely.
Possible Punishments for Child Abuse in California

It is important for your Orange County child abuse attorney to know the difference between a misdemeanor and felony child abuse charge. That makes Penal Code 273d PC a “wobbler offense” which means it is up to the prosecutor to decide if it is a misdemeanor or a felony charge. The prosecutor must use the facts of the alleged offense and the defendant’s criminal history to make that decision. Misdemeanor child abuse charges carry possible punishments including up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of up to $6,000. Felony child abuse charges carry punishments of 2,4, or 6 years in jail, an additional 4 years if the defendant has a prior felony child abuse conviction within the last 10 years, and/or a fine of up to $6,000. There are other punishments that could be included depending on the circumstances of the specific allegations. For example, people may also need to have mandatory drug testing during probation or parole if the case had drug abuse involved in any way.

Orange County Child Abuse Attorney Little Girl Sitting with Her Knees Up and Her Hands Covering Her Face
The best Orange County child abuse attorney will navigate through these charges with the goal being to get you to the other side safely.
Best Orange County Child Abuse Attorney

Your Orange County child abuse attorney at Johnson Criminal Law Group has one job, to fight your case. This is best done by looking at what the prosecutor must accomplish in these types of cases. For example, the prosecutor must prove the elements of the crime like did the defendant willfully inflict harm or inhuman punishment on a minor? Did the punishment cause traumatic physical conditions or was the punishment reasonable? It is important that you tell your attorney about any history with these charges if any. Priors can make a significant difference as it pertains to the prosecution but also to the defense. Prior acts of corporal injury are not only admissible, but they should also be expected to be brought up by the prosecution. There is a lot to learn about these accusations, charges, and the many different unique aspects of each child abuse crime. It is important to contact us immediately after being accused of the crime.

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The Johnson Law Group handled a very important and delicate matter with professionalism and a caring manner. Attorneys were knowledgeable, in communications, and provided a top notch service to my need. I highly recommend the Johnson Law Group for your important legal issues. Hardy Jr.
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Lauren Johnson-Norris was amazing. She explained everything in ways that were easily understood, & answered all of my question. She was respectful, but also open & honest. She started work on my case the first day we met & got results quickly. She demonstrated passion, concern, and showed true feeling for my situation. My expectations were greatly exceeded. I would say she has an incredible attention for detail, & has a real dedication to her work. Lauren Johnson-Norris would be my first recommendation to any of my family or friends similarly in need of legal assistance. Heather
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I researched a lot of attorneys and had met with two attorneys before speaking with Ms. Johnson-Norris and retaining her. I was facing serious charges that could not be on my record, due to my job and was really scared. I felt hopeless & thought my life was ruined...until I found Ms. Johnson-Norris… A criminal defense client (drug case)
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She is on point. She knows her field well. I have to give credit where credit is due, you deserve it Lauren Johnson-Norris… Anonymous, Victim of Domestic Violence
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Lauren Johnson-Norris was my saving grace. I naively thought you were innocent until proven guilty. However, I soon discovered that CPS and family court does not see things that way… Mrs. G, a CPS client