Child Abuse

Child Abuse Defense Attorney

Child abuse charges encompass a multitude of complexities and far-reaching consequences for both the prosecution and defense. It is vital to recognize the gravity with which child abuse is regarded, being held in the same high regard as sexual assault under Pennsylvania law. Individuals accused of child abuse face some of the harshest penalties that can be imposed.

Allegations of child abuse have the potential to devastate personal lives, relationships, marriages, and community standing, even in cases without conviction. In light of these profound ramifications, it becomes paramount to seek the services of skilled and experienced Washington PA criminal attorneys when confronted with child abuse charges. At Logue Law Group, we are dedicated to safeguarding your rights and mounting a vigorous defense against all allegations.

Child abuse encompasses a wide range of ill-treatment, which includes emotional, physical, sexual, and neglectful acts directed towards children. These acts, regardless of whether they are committed by a parent or caregiver, pose harm or potential harm to the well-being of a child and can occur within their homes, schools, organizations, or associated communities.

There are four primary categories of child abuse that demand attention and intervention:

Negligence: Neglectful acts that result in severe physical injury, inflicting great pain, or causing lasting impairment in a child’s physical functioning.

Physical Abuse: Acts that put a child’s life, physical development, or overall functioning at risk.

Psychological Abuse: Manipulative or exploitative behaviors that have severe detrimental effects on a child’s mental health.

Sexual Abuse: Obscene behaviors involving children, such as sexual games, inappropriate touching, or encouraging a child to engage in sexual stimulation with another individual.

Children who have suffered from abuse often exhibit various symptoms, including sleep disturbances, nightmares, aggressive outbursts, withdrawal, and depression. They may also display discomfort around specific individuals, possess premature sexual knowledge, or exhibit inappropriate language and behavior that is not age-appropriate.

Reporting Child Abuse 

In cases of suspected child abuse, certain professionals known as Mandatory Reporters are obligated to report the incidents. These professionals include:

• Teachers
• Clergy
• Doctors
• Childcare workers
• Dentists
• Law enforcement officials/police officers

Failure to report child abuse can result in criminal charges, with the severity depending on the person involved:

• School employees may face a summary offense
• Mandatory Reporters other than school employees may face a second-degree misdemeanor

Reports are typically made to the Department of Child and Youth Services (CYS). During this process, the child is taken into protective custody, and an expert conducts a forensic interview. However, it is important to note that the questioning technique used in these interviews may potentially influence the investigation.

In such cases, it is crucial to engage a skilled Washington PA criminal attorney who thoroughly understands the intricacies involved.

Washington Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are under investigation or facing charges related to child abuse in or near Washington, seeking the assistance of an experienced and skilled Washington child abuse attorney is of utmost importance and should be done promptly.

Attorney Sean Logue, a Washington PA DUI Attorney, brings a unique perspective to these cases, given his prior experience in prosecuting child abuse and child pornography crimes. With his extensive knowledge in these matters, he is prepared to vigorously fight on your behalf. We will diligently challenge any evidence presented against you, meticulously scrutinizing any records obtained from CYS. In our pursuit of justice, we will aggressively dismantle any inaccurately obtained evidence.

At the heart of these cases lies the necessity for swift, decisive action to protect your rights. We encourage you to contact us and arrange a consultation as soon as possible.

To schedule a free initial consultation with a highly skilled child abuse lawyer in the Washington area, please contact us online or call 844.PITT.DUI. Our team is ready to assist you.