Child Abuse

Child Abuse Defense Attorney

Child abuse allegations bring forth a unique set of challenges and serious consequences for everyone involved. Under Pennsylvania law, this offense is treated with the same severity as sexual assault, meaning those accused often face some of the legal system’s harshest punishments. Even without a conviction, the mere suggestion of abuse can ruin a person’s reputation, destroy their relationships, and damage their standing within the community.

Because the stakes are so high, it is vital to have a knowledgeable legal professional on your side. At Mountaineer Law Group, we are dedicated to protecting your rights and mounting a vigorous defense against these serious claims. If you are facing such allegations, securing a skilled Morgantown criminal lawyer is an essential first step.

Child abuse generally refers to negligence or mistreatment—whether emotional, physical, or sexual—directed at a child. These actions can be committed by parents, caregivers, or others in a position of trust and can happen in various settings, including homes, schools, and community organizations.

There are four primary categories of abuse recognized by law:

• Negligence: A failure to provide adequate care that results in serious physical injury, causing extreme pain or lasting impairment to a child’s physical health.
• Physical Abuse: Actions that endanger a child’s life, physical development, or general well-being.
• Psychological Abuse: Exploitation or manipulation that severely impacts a child’s mental state and emotional health.
• Sexual Abuse: Inappropriate behaviors involving a minor, such as sexual games, indecent touching, or coercing a child to touch someone else for gratification.

Victims of abuse often display distinct behavioral changes. These may include sleep issues like nightmares, sudden aggression, social withdrawal, or depression. They might also show discomfort around specific people, have sexual knowledge beyond their years, or use language inappropriate for their age group. In these sensitive situations, a Morgantown DUI attorney can also provide legal guidance if related charges arise.

Reporting Child Abuse

Certain professionals, classified as Mandatory Reporters, are required by law to report any suspicion of child abuse. These individuals include:

• Teachers and school staff
• Clergy members
• Medical doctors
• Child care providers
• Dentists
• Law enforcement officers

Failing to report suspected abuse can lead to criminal penalties for these professionals. For instance:

• School employees may be charged with a summary offense.
• Other Mandatory Reporters could face a second-degree misdemeanor.

Typically, reports are filed with the Department of Children and Youth Services (CYS). Once a report is made, the child may be placed in protective custody, followed by a forensic interview with a specialist. It is important to note, however, that the methods used during these interviews can sometimes bias the investigation, leading to inaccurate conclusions. This makes having a Morgantown criminal lawyer essential to navigating the complexities of the defense.

Morgantown Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are the subject of an investigation or have been charged with child abuse in or around Berks County, do not wait to seek legal counsel. You need an experienced advocate in your corner immediately.

Attorney Sean Logue offers a distinct advantage in these cases, drawing on his past experience prosecuting child abuse and child pornography crimes. This background gives him deep insight into how the opposition builds its case. He is ready to fight tirelessly for you, challenging every piece of evidence and scrutinizing all records from CYS. Our team will aggressively move to suppress any evidence that was obtained improperly.

Time is of the essence in these matters. We urge you to reach out quickly to start building your defense. To schedule a free initial consultation with a highly qualified Morgantown DUI attorney, please contact us online or call (304) 381-3656 today.