If you are facing charges for child abuse in Massachusetts, you need a strong legal defense. At The Law Office of Paul R. Moraski, our Massachusetts child abuse defense attorney will help you to understand your rights and legal options when you are facing child abuse charges. Call our law firm today to learn more about how to defend yourself. 

How Child Abuse Is Defined in Massachusetts

“Child abuse” is a broad term that can refer to a range of specific crimes involving a child, including:

• Indecent assault and battery on a child. This crime refers to the indecent, intentional, and unjustified touching of a child’s private areas. There are different criminal penalties depending on the age of the child. 

• Assault and battery on a child. Assault and battery is the unjustified and intentional use of force against a child. 

• Wanton or reckless behavior that creates a risk of serious injury to a child. Engaging in actions that create a substantiation risk of injury or sexual abuse to a child is a crime. Examples of reckless behavior that create a risk of injury to the child include keeping drugs or other dangerous materials in a home, driving drunk, etc. 

• Rape of a child. Rape is the act of forcing sexual intercourse. Forcible rape of a child under age 16 is one of the most severe child abuse crimes in Massachusetts. 
• Assault of a child with an intent to commit rape. Engaging in the use of force of a child with the intent to commit rape can lead to a sentence of life in prison. 

Penalties for Child Abuse

The penalties for child abuse will depend on the type of crime. Crimes involving indecent touching or forced intercourse are more harshly penalized in our state; as mentioned above, rape of a child and assault of a child with an intent to commit rape can result in a sentence of life in prison. Other crimes are not as harshly penalized. For example, indecent assault and battery of a child can lead to up to 10 years imprisonment in prison, as well as the requirement to register as a sex offender. Wanton and reckless endangerment of a child can lead to jail time of up to 2.5 years. 

Child Abuse Defenses in MA

Children are innocent, and creating a viable defense when facing criminal charges can prove difficult. The defense strategy that makes the most sense for you will depend on the details of your case, but might include submitting evidence that the injuries to the child were caused by something else, that the abuse was an accident and that you lacked any intent to cause harm, that the abuse stemmed from a religious belief that is your right exercise.

At The Law Office of Paul R. Moraski, we know that facing charges for child abuse is very serious and could have a significant impact on your future. When you choose our law firm, our Massachusetts child abuse defense attorney will work to protect your legal rights as a defendant and build your case. Call (978) 397-0011 today to schedule a consultation and learn more.