San Antonio Child Abuse Defense Lawyer

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Legal Representation for Your Child Abuse Case

San Antonio Child Abuse Lawyer You Can Trust

If you’ve been charged with child physical abuse, sexual abuse, or criminal negligence, you could be facing serious penalties. Getting legal assistance for such charges is essential for protecting your future, freedom, and reputation.

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Child Abuse Defense in Bexar County

How an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

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Your Trusted Attorney for Child Abuse Charges

Fighting criminal charges for child abuse can be incredibly difficult, with law enforcement and the prosecution doing everything they can to punish abusers. Everyone deserves a capable and fierce defense, with an attorney by your side to defend your best interests. Here at the Law Office of John G. Perez Jr., John prides himself on providing reliable defense strategies to those accused of crimes in Bexar County. He will work tirelessly to reduce or eliminate the charges against you. We fight for a dismissal in every case, and we will do whatever it takes to reach a favorable outcome. Our domestic violence lawyer is ready to help.

As a homicide defense lawyer serving Bexar County, John has experience helping those accused of violent crimes and serious bodily injury, and he would be proud to stand by your side during this difficult time. You can rely on The Law Office of John G. Perez to fight for you from start to finish of the legal process, even in federal court. We fight for dismissal in every case, and we will go the distance for your future.

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When Is Child Abuse a Crime in Texas?

Child abuse is always a crime in Texas. Child abuse is defined as causing bodily injury, sexual harm, or mental injury to a child, as well as severe neglect. Parents and guardians are legally responsible for keeping their child safe, and severe failures in this duty can lead to charges. Actions that fall outside of the scope described above may not be considered criminal.

If you’re facing charges and are not sure whether or not your actions should truly be considered abuse, you should seek legal assistance. A capable attorney will use the fullest extent of their skills and resources to defend your best interests.

About Neglect, Abandonment, and Endangerment

Under Texas law, criminal neglect means failing to provide safe and adequate food, shelter, clothing, medical care, supervision, and protection. Abandonment involves leaving a child under the age of 15 without reasonable child care. Endangerment means engaging in conduct that places a child at imminent risk of death, injury, or mental impairment.

About Child Sexual Abuse

Child sexual abuse is its own type of offense in Texas, with charges sometimes being more severe in cases of child sexual abuse against household and family members. Offenses may include indecent exposure, sexual contact, and sexual assault. If you are facing such charges, get help from a San Antonio child sexual abuse attorney.

Charges for Child Abuse Offenses

The charges you will face for child abuse and neglect will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. Penalties can range from a Class B misdemeanor to a first-degree felony, with up to life imprisonment. Below, you can find some child abuse offenses and their related charges.

  • Misdemeanor Charges – The least severe cases involving abuse
  • State Jail Felony – Child abandonment, child endangerment
  • Third-Degree Felony – Child abandonment without the intent to return, severe child endangerment
  • Second-Degree Felony – Child abandonment putting the child at risk of imminent danger of bodily harm or mental impairment, reckless child abuse
  • First Degree Felony – Child endangerment with imminent danger, intentional child abuse

For more detailed information and insights about charges not mentioned above, your best option is to talk to a lawyer. Whether or not your case involved serious bodily injury, you may still face high penalties. Our San Antonio defense attorney offers free case reviews to give those accused of a crime in Texas the opportunity to ask questions and get help. Call John today.

Common Defense Strategies Against Child Abuse Charges

If you’ve been charged with child abuse in San Antonio, it’s important to get help from an attorney whose practice areas include these types of cases. Your attorney needs to have a thorough understanding of child abuse laws and common defenses. Some of the defenses that your attorney may use to reduce or eliminate your charges include:

  • False Allegations – Your attorney may argue that the alleged child abuse didn’t actually happen, and that you were falsely accused.
  • Lack of Evidence – There may not be enough evidence to concretely prove that you harmed the alleged victim.
  • Accidental Injury – If a person commits a harmful act against a child by accident, that may not be a crime.
  • Reasonable Discipline – Under Texas law, parents are allowed to use a “reasonable” level of physical discipline.
  • Wrongful Blame – Your attorney may argue that the alleged child abuser was or may have been someone else.

There are certain professionals with a legal or statutory duty to report suspected child abuse to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. If you believe you were wrongfully reported, don’t wait to contact an attorney.

If you’re facing child abuse charges in San Antonio, reach out to a child abuse lawyer for help defending your freedom and your life.



Law Office of John G. Perez Jr.