Law Library Articles
Top 10 Child Abuse Articles in the LegalMatch Law Library
You may think that you have never seen child abuse before. However, you probably have seen an episode of “Toddlers & Tiaras” or read about the Penn State and Jerry Sandusky child sexual abuse scandal. Everyone is exposed to the reality of child abuse at some point, even if only through salacious reality television and shocking news reports.
This increased exposure to child abuse has led to hypersensitivity about anything that may make a child upset, such as refusing to take him to McDonalds. Thus, it is crucial to be able to discern when you need to protect a child and when you need to let a parent discipline their own kid. This Top 10 list of child abuse articles can help you do just that.
1. What Is Child Neglect?
Child neglect involves more than just a lack of physical care. It can occur if a parent, guardian, or caregiver does not provide a child with essential needs like food, shelter, education, or proper medical attention. Learning how child neglect is defined can help you recognize and report potential abuse before it escalates.
2. Child Abandonment Laws
Leaving a child without proper supervision or care can lead to charges of child abandonment. Each state has different definitions and timeframes regarding what qualifies as abandonment. This article explains the range of behaviors that may be considered child abandonment and what the penalties can be.
3. Consequences of Leaving a Child Home Alone
Many parents struggle with deciding when their child is old enough to stay home by themselves. However, child endangerment charges can follow if a court finds that a minor was left unsupervised before they were mature or safe enough. If you are worried about where the legal line is drawn, this article will help clarify the guidelines.
4. Washington State Luring Charge Lawyers
“Luring” is a lesser-known offense that involves attempting to entice or order a minor (or developmentally disabled adult) to go somewhere out of public view for wrongful purposes. This article explains the Washington luring law, showing how it differs from kidnapping, and why it still carries serious consequences.
5. Drug Use and Pregnancy
The legal consequences of using drugs while pregnant vary by state, but can include child endangerment or child abuse charges. This issue often sparks debate between those advocating for criminalizing drug use and those favoring a health-based approach. Find out what the law says, what defenses may apply, and why seeking help early is key.
6. Child Enticement Lawyers
Child enticement is a crime involving luring a minor for unlawful sexual activity or exploitation, often via internet communications. This article breaks down how federal and state authorities handle enticement cases, what defenses exist, and the severe penalties at stake if convicted.
7. Leaving Children Unattended in Vehicles
Even a brief stop at a store can turn tragic if a child is left alone in a car, especially in hot weather. Many states have enacted laws to prosecute parents who leave minors in parked cars under dangerous conditions. This article discusses the risks, the legal penalties, and the possible defenses.
8. Laws Against Spanking
Corporal punishment remains legal in all 50 states, but there are clear lines drawn between permissible discipline and child abuse. If you’re unsure about whether spanking crosses that line, this guide explains factors courts look at, such as severity, frequency, and method, to determine if it’s lawful or abusive.
9. California Child Endangerment Lawyer
In California, child endangerment can be charged as either a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances. A “wobbler” offense, the outcome may include substantial prison time and parental rights issues if there was substantial risk or actual harm. Learn how California defines child endangerment and the crucial defenses that might apply.
10. DUI Child Endangerment: Legal Penalties & Defense Strategies
Driving under the influence (DUI) alone is serious, but transporting a child in the vehicle at the same time can add child endangerment or abuse charges. Penalties may jump from a simple misdemeanor to a significant felony. If you or a loved one is facing DUI child endangerment charges, this article examines the legal repercussions and potential defenses.
If you believe a child is in immediate danger, always contact law enforcement first. For further help or answers about suspected or alleged child abuse, connect with a qualified criminal law attorney. LegalMatch can put you in touch with a lawyer who has experience in child abuse cases and understands your local laws.
