Law Office of Michael L. Fell
900 Roosevelt Irvine, CA 92620
(949) 585-9055

Learn Three Defense Options if You Are Facing Charges of Child Neglect in Southern California

Being accused of child neglect can make you feel as though your life is over. In the court of public opinion, it could appear that you are already guilty and that admitting guilt is the simplest course of action. There are, however, defense choices regardless of your circumstance. Read on to discover three defense strategies offered by a knowledgeable domestic violence lawyer. Then contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 for a free legal consultation.

The Meaning of Child Neglect

It's critical to comprehend what the legal system means when someone is accused of child neglect. The law requires all parents and legal guardians of children to give them access to food, clothes, housing, and medical treatment. Even if a parent does not have custody of, or even visitation with, the child, they are still obligated to meet the child's needs. They may be accused of child neglect if they knew their child needed something and did not provide it.

Your Defense Might Be That You Are Not the Parent of the Child

It's possible that you aren't even the parent. It's time to get a paternity test if you suspect that the child is not yours and paternity has never been proven. Your duty of care is substantially lesser, and you are probably not guilty of child neglect if you are not the biological parent or the legal guardian.

Your Defense Might Be That Any Neglect Was Not Intentional

If you don't see your kid too often, you might not have realized they needed something. It's possible that you didn't purposely ignore them. It's possible that you offered the child's other parent food, money, clothing, and other aid but they refused it. If any of these claims are accurate, you might not be found guilty.

Your Defense Might Be That You Had a Justifiable Reason for Your Inaction

Being unable to provide for your child's care is not a crime. If you can demonstrate that your child suffered from hunger or other neglect as a result of your financial situation, this is a valid defense and the allegations against you shouldn't stand. Remember that only if you are actually unable to work does this apply. This defense will not be effective if you decide not to work or if you do work but spend your earnings on yourself rather than your child.

To schedule a free legal consultation with a domestic abuse attorney call Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055. To help you obtain the best result for your case, we are ready to offer our assistance.