Marietta Child Abuse Lawyer

Marietta Child Abuse Attorney

Child abuse is viewed as a severe and heinous crime, so defending yourself after you’ve been charged may feel impossible. Child abuse cases are complex, and it can get even more challenging if you try to fight your charges on your own. A Marietta child abuse lawyer can be a valuable asset in building a defense for your case in Marietta, Georgia.

The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman has decades of experience handling child abuse, criminal defense, murder defense, and drug crime cases, and we have the skills and resources to represent you and ensure you get a fair trial in court. From investigating claims to identifying weaknesses in prosecutors’ arguments to navigating the laws concerning child abuse in Georgia, our team can help you protect your rights and fight these allegations.

How Is Child Abuse Defined in Marietta?

Child abuse covers a variety of situations related to the harm of any person under 18 years old. Under the Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), child abuse is defined as any act or failure to act on behalf of the person responsible for a child that results in the child’s serious harm or death.

Child abuse crimes can include:

• Emotional abuse of a child
• Intentional physical injury or death at the hands of the person responsible for the care of the child
• Neglect of a child by the person responsible for their care
• Prenatal abuse of a child
• Sexual abuse or exploitation of a child
• Trafficking a child for labor servitude

Child Abuse Laws in Marietta, GA

The Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) partners with local police and the court system to protect children in compromised situations.

Georgia began gathering data on family violence in 1995, and the number of reported incidents has climbed steadily. In 2023 alone, there were 39,222 reports of family violence, and 9,138 of them involved children. Due to the prevalence of family violence crimes in Marietta, GA, specifically child abuse cases, these types of offenses are typically prosecuted aggressively.

Child Protective Services in Georgia received 62,675 maltreatment reports in 2020. Over the years, neglect has continued to make up a large portion of these cases. While it can be difficult to prevent and prove cases of child abuse, prosecutors are known to approach these types of cases aggressively.

Moreover, Prevent Child Abuse (PCA) Georgia reported 54,463 reports involving 106,948 children in Georgia in 2023. With 58 percent of adults surveyed in Georgia having experienced at least one adverse childhood experience in their lives, it’s evident that child abuse and child pornography continue to be a prevalent problem.

Why Work With a Marietta Child Abuse Lawyer

If you’re facing child abuse charges, it’s crucial to have a Marietta child abuse lawyer on your side who understands the nuances of the state and federal laws that can dictate your sentencing so you can protect your rights and build a defense for yourself in a court of law.

Child abuse laws are as complex as they are strict, which can leave those who are charged with few options in terms of building a solid defense. A Marietta child abuse lawyer knows how to navigate challenging cases and can help guide you to a fair case outcome.

A skilled attorney in Marietta can also offer legal advice and answer any questions you have along the way to ensure you know all your options and understand the process you’re about to undergo. If you’ve been falsely accused, it’s important to take the charges seriously, even if the allegations seem unreasonable to you. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible so you’re not left unprotected.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act in Georgia?

A: The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) forms the guidelines and provides federal funding to states for assessing, investigating, preventing, and prosecuting child abuse and neglect. Over the years, CAPTA has evolved to align with the climate of child welfare in Georgia. Much of its focus now is on child fatalities, children returned to unsafe home environments, and increasing the CPS’s accountability in child abuse cases.

Q: What Legal Rights Do Children Have in Marietta?

A: The Georgia Code stipulates that parents and children each have legal rights. Parents are required to provide for the education, maintenance, and protection of their child until they reach the age of majority or age 20 if they are enrolled full-time in a secondary school. Parents must give their children necessities and financial support, supervise them, and provide proper parental care.

Moreover, parents cannot neglect their children or impose any physical or emotional abuse upon them. These requirements apply even if the child doesn’t live in the same home as their parents.

Q: What Is the Parent-Child Immunity Doctrine in Georgia?

A: Under Georgia law, the parent-child immunity doctrine states that unemancipated minors cannot sue their parents or guardians for injuries suffered as a result of a negligent act. The exception to this rule is if the act was committed willfully or with malicious intent. That said, it must be proven in court that the actions were willful or malicious before the case can move forward.

Q: What Is Qualified Immunity for CPS in Georgia?

A: Under federal law, qualified immunity refers to the rule that any person or entity that reports a child abuse claim or causes a report to be made has immunity from any civil or criminal liability that they might otherwise face as a result of the report. This includes individuals who provide information or assist with reports made to a child welfare agency.

Reach Out to a Marietta Child Abuse Lawyer to Set Up a Consultation Today

Our team works with a wide range of clients throughout Georgia, so we’ve seen our fair share of criminal cases. More importantly, we’ve seen our fair share of wins. One of our recent victories was an acquittal for a man falsely accused of child molestation in the Douglas County Superior Court.

We’re committed to building a comprehensive legal strategy backed by facts and evidence to ensure you get a fair trial and to improve your chances of a positive outcome. Reach out to set up a consultation with an experienced Marietta child abuse lawyer today.