Southern Indiana Child Abuse Lawyer

Child Abuse Attorney in Southern Indiana, KY

Child abuse cases are prosecuted harshly under Indiana law. You can expect to navigate allegations of child abuse through the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) and your local circuit or superior court for your county. Whether you suspect you’re going to be charged or you’re actively navigating allegations, hiring a Southern Indiana child abuse lawyer to assist in the process is highly recommended. 

Individuals and families throughout Southern Indiana have been turning to Straw-Boone Doheny Banks Mudd Catalano & McKinney, PLLC, to represent them through these serious criminal cases. We’re a trusted law firm with deep roots in family law from Louisville, KY, all the way to Southern Indiana. We know how much our clients have to lose, and we work diligently to help them reach a fair resolution for their case.

Southern Indiana Child Abuse Laws

There are specific criteria for determining cases of child abuse in Southern Indiana, per the Indiana DCS. The alleged victim must be under 18 years old, and the alleged perpetrator must be their parent, guardian, or custodian. It’s estimated that 90 percent of child abusers in the United States are someone the child knows and trusts.

That said, it’s possible for sexual abuse to occur between parties without a previous relationship. The alleged perpetrator does not have to have any relationship to the child to be charged with child sexual abuse. An experienced Family Lawyer can help navigate these serious allegations and their potential impact on custody, parental rights, and related family law matters.

Another situation that can be considered child abuse under Indiana law is if the alleged victim is between the ages of 18 and 21 and resides or previously resided in a DCS-licensed residential facility, and the alleged perpetrator is a staff member. 

There are approximately 1,586,086 children living in Indiana. In recent years, the primary types of abuse recorded in Indiana were:

• Abusive head trauma
• Beating or kicking
• Asphyxiation or suffocation
• Drowning 
• Poisoning

No matter the nature of the child abuse case you’re in, it’s highly recommended that you secure legal counsel from a Southern Indiana child abuse attorney. 

Child Abuse Cases in Southern Indiana

If you’re accused of child abuse in Indiana, your rights as a parent are at stake. Furthermore, you can face additional legal consequences and criminal penalties. It’s imperative that you address these accusations head-on by starting to form a defense. A Southern Indiana child abuse lawyer can help you navigate your case and reach a fair outcome. 

Child abuse can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony under Indiana law, depending on the type of abuse and the scope of the victim’s injuries. A Southern Indiana family lawyer can help you gather evidence to support your defense and protect your rights and freedoms throughout a child abuse case. You can rest assured knowing you’re being represented by a law firm you can trust in and out of the courtroom. n be restricted. A Southern Indiana domestic violence attorney can explain the orders against you and can pursue an arrangement that allows you to spend time with your child.

FAQs About Child Abuse Law

What Constitutes Child Abuse Under Indiana Law?

What constitutes child abuse under Indiana law is any non-accidental infliction of physical or mental injury on a child, or the failure to protect a child from these harmful acts. Child abuse can include:

• Exploitation 
• Mental abuse
• Physical abuse
• Severe neglect
• Sexual abuse

The alleged perpetrator in a child abuse case is typically a parent, guardian, or custodian. A stranger can be the offender in cases of sexual abuse. 

What Are the Penalties for Child Abuse in Southern Indiana?

The penalties for child abuse in Southern Indiana often include significant fines and time in prison. The severity of the consequences you face can vary depending on the nature of the crime.

There are also consequences for failing to report suspected child abuse under Indiana law. This is charged as a class B misdemeanor. False reports are class A misdemeanors and can escalate to a level 6 felony if the offender has a previous unrelated conviction for falsifying reports. 

Can I Lose Parental Rights Simply for Being Charged in a Southern Indiana Child Abuse Case?

No, you are unlikely to lose parental rights simply for being charged in a Southern Indiana child abuse case. However, you can expect a charge to trigger an investigation with Indiana DCS. Indiana courts act in the best interest of the child when any legal matter arises. 

Even so, termination of parental rights is typically a last resort. In most cases, the first step is reunification efforts. In cases of severe abuse, a judge may terminate rights more quickly.

What Evidence Is Needed to Succeed in a Child Abuse Case in Southern Indiana?

What evidence is needed to succeed in a child abuse case in Southern Indiana can vary from case to case. Succeeding with your case requires gathering enough evidence to disprove the allegations against you. Helpful pieces of evidence typically are:

• Evidence of false allegations
• Medical records
• Photos and videos
• Professional evaluations
• Witness testimonies

The DCS must gather a preponderance of evidence against you to support their case. Your job is to discredit this evidence in as many ways as possible.

Hire a Child Abuse Lawyer in Southern Indiana to Discuss Your Case in More Detail

Family legal matters are difficult to navigate, especially when there are allegations of child abuse. If you’re involved in a child abuse case in Indiana, we recommend hiring a child abuse lawyer so you can discuss your case in more detail. Your attorney can investigate your situation and help you form a defense based on the facts of your case. They can also handle any communications with DCS and courts, so you can rest assured you’re taking the right steps.

For more than 30 years, Straw-Boone Doheny Banks Mudd Catalano & McKinney, PLLC, has been helping our clients through complex criminal cases. If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, our attorneys are just a phone call away. Contact the office to schedule a consultation with a member of our team today.

Our office is located in downtown Louisville on West Market Street, but we serve individuals and families throughout the area and all the way to Southern Indiana. Plus, we’re not too far off I-65, making us an easier trip for our out-of-town clients.