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Originally Posted On: https://bippermedia.com/legal-steps-to-take-if-youve-been-wrongfully-accused-of-aggravated-child-abuse-in-florida/

No one is prepared to be accused of a crime they didn’t commit. It’s a shocking and scary experience that can turn your life upside down. If you’ve been accused falsely of aggravated child abuse in Florida, there are some things you need to do to protect yourself and your future. But let’s first understand what aggravated child abuse is.

What is Aggravated Child Abuse in Florida?

Under Florida law, aggravated child abuse occurs when a person willfully or knowingly causes great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement to a child. Aggravated child abuse is a felony charge that carries serious penalties if convicted. It is punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Additionally, aggravated child abuse can also be charged if an adult commits an act of abuse that results in a child’s death.

What To Do if You Are Wrongfully Accused

If you’ve been accused of aggravated child abuse, it’s important to take the allegations seriously to protect yourself and your future. If convicted you will face significant penalties, including a lengthy prison sentence and a permanent criminal record. 

Here’s what you should do if you’ve been accused wrongfully of aggravated child abuse in Florida:

1. Hire an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney

One of the most important decisions you can make is choosing the right lawyer. An experienced attorney will know how to investigate the allegations against you and build a strong defense, as well as negotiate with prosecutors and get you the best outcome possible.

2. Gather Evidence to Support Your Innocence

If you have any evidence that can prove your innocence, be sure to give it to your attorney. This could include text messages, emails, or even video footage. Any evidence that shows you didn’t commit the crime can help your case. 

You should also ask for statements from family members, co-workers, friends, or neighbors—anyone that you know who can vouch that you are a loving parent and would never harm your children. 

3. Don’t Talk to the Police Without an Attorney Present

You must not say anything to the police until you have an attorney present. Courts have the right to use anything you say against you. Even if you’re innocent, it’s possible to make a mistake when talking to the police that could lead to charges being filed against you.

4. Keep Your Cool if Confronted by the Accuser

If you’re confronted by the person who’s accusing you of child abuse, it’s important to keep your cool. Don’t say anything that could be construed as an admission of guilt. Just tell them you’re innocent and that you’re going to speak to your attorney.

5. Don’t Post Anything About Your Case on Social Media

Anything you post on social media, even if it’s just a status update, can be used against you in court. If you’re charged with a crime, it’s best to stay off social media until your case is resolved.

6. Keep a Journal

Writing down everything that happens during this process can help refresh your memory later on and can be helpful to your attorney. Write down the names and contact information of everyone you speak to, as well as dates and times.

7. Follow All Court Orders and Conditions of Your Release

If you are released on bail, there will likely be conditions you must follow. These could include restrictions like a curfew or not being able to leave the state. You must follow all court orders to avoid being sent back to jail.

8. Stay Positive and Stay Focused on Your Defense

It’s important to stay positive throughout this process. Remember that you are innocent until proven guilty. Stay focused on your defense and don’t let the charges against you consume your life.

9. Be Prepared for a Long Legal Battle

If you’ve been wrongfully accused of aggravated child abuse, it’s important to be prepared for a long legal battle. This process can be stressful and emotionally draining. But if you have a strong defense, it’s possible to clear your name and move on with your life.

10. Don’t Give Up

Having been accused of a crime you didn’t commit can make you feel like giving up. But it’s important to remember until proven guilty, you are innocent. If you have a strong defense, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to beat the charges.

What are Some of the Defenses for a Charge of Aggravated Child Abuse in Florida?

Some defenses to a charge of aggravated child abuse in Florida include:

The Defendant was Not the Abuser

 In some cases, the wrong person may be accused of being the abuser. This can happen when there are multiple people involved in caring for a child or when there is confusion about who committed the act of abuse.

The Defendant Did Not Act Willfully

 For a defendant to be guilty of aggravated child abuse, they must have acted willfully. This means that the defendant knew their actions could result in injury or death to the child and still went ahead with them. If the defendant did not know their actions could result in such harm, they may have a defense to the charges.

The Defendant was Acting in Self-Defense

If the defendant was acting in self-defense or defense of another when the abuse occurred, this may be a valid defense to the charges.

The Child Did Not Suffer Great Bodily Harm or Permanent Disability

For the charge of aggravated child abuse to be applicable, the child must have suffered great bodily harm or permanent disability as a result of the abuse. If the child did not suffer such injuries, the charges may not be appropriate.

The Bottom Line

If you have been wrongfully accused of aggravated child abuse in Florida, it is important to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your future. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help build a strong case on your behalf and work to get the charges against you dropped. 

The Hanlon Law Firm in Tampa has years of experience defending clients against child abuse charges and knows what it takes to win these cases. Don’t wait – contact us today!

Hanlon Law
210 N Pierce St
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 228-7095
https://www.criminalattorneytampa.net