Child Abuse Defense Lawyers in Southern California

Serving Los Angeles, California, Riverside and beyond…

An accusation of child abuse is a very serious charge. These charges are often started with by a school teacher, a school nurse, even a neighbor who phones in an anonymous tip to Child Protective Services. A significant percentage of child abuse allegations are later determined to be false. False or not, if the case goes to trial, particularly in the case of a child sexual abuse accusation, the entire “system” (including the jury) will often favor the child – no matter what the facts might be. This can result in many years in state prison, as well as registration as a child sex offender for life.

Child abuse is an extremely serious charge and can fall under several different categories including:

  • Physical abuse of a child
  • Sexual abuse of a child
  • Emotional abuse of a child
  • Emotional abuse of a child
  • Negligent criminal supervision of a child

If you are under investigation or being accused of abusing or molesting a child, your life can be changed forever. The only thing you can do to offer yourself the best chance of avoiding the many harsh and permanent consequences of a child abuse conviction — including the possibility of termination of parental rights — is to work with an experienced child abuse defense attorney who can aggressively assert your rights in court. You should immediately consult with an experienced Southern California criminal defense lawyer to discuss your situation.

Unfortunately, in order to defend yourself against allegations of child abuse or molestation, you must first understand harsh reality of our criminal justice system when it comes to children. In all charges with the word “child/ren,” unlike what you learned in elementary school, you are presumed GUILTY until you prove otherwise. Talking to law enforcement or to family members is not recommended and will only make your situation worse.

Child Abuse Charges are Difficult to Defend

One of the reasons that child abuse charges are so difficult to defend against is because there are often no witnesses and very little tangible evidence. These are often “he-said – she said” cases where the whole case can depend on the credibility of the defendant versus that of the victim. There are many reasons why a child might fabricate a false allegation and fail to tell the truth about being abused, such as:

  • Not understanding the seriousness of their statements
  • Being influenced by adults such CPS/DCFS social workers, teachers, relatives or friends who believe that a child abuse claim should be made
  • Wanting to help or please the other parent
  • Teenagers can gain a sense of independence-from, and/or power-over the accused adult

Child Abuse Arrests & Charges often follow a CPS/DCFS Home Visit

Child Protective Services social workers “cross-report” any allegations that they even remotely suspect as being true to the local police, sheriff as well as the local District Attorney. If you are being called or visited by CPS or DCFS agents, you should prepare yourself for a possible visit from the police attempting to collect evidence to substantiate those charges. The following quote is from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services website:

Role of Law Enforcement in Combating Child Maltreatment

Law enforcement officers tend to view child abuse and neglect not as a social problem, but rather in the context of criminal law, and in “most States, all or most all forms of reportable child abuse or child neglect are crimes.”1 Consequently, officers generally focus their energy on preservation and collection of evidence for criminal prosecution.

Child Abuse Charges & Penalties

The penalties for a child abuse conviction may include the following:

  • Child Neglect: fines up to $2000 and/or up to 1-year in county jail
  • Child Abuse: fine of up to $6000 and/or a state prison sentence of up to 6-years
  • Child Molestation: 3 to 8-years in state prison, per act of molestation
  • Continual Child Sexual Abuse (3+ acts): 6 to 16-years in state prison

When you talk to me, Vincent W. Davis, you can be sure of one thing, that I am listening. Child Protective Services (CPS or DCFS) and your accusers have their story, and it is our job to make sure that your story is heard and we keep your family together. If your kids or grand-kids have already been taken, we will find the best and fastest way to reunite your family.

Call me personally - 888-888-6582 - I am waiting to hear your story now, to defend you and keep your family together or reunite you and your precious loved ones.

We Are Your Juvenile Dependency Lawyers and we are proud to serve    Los Angeles,   Orange,   Riverside,   San Bernardino , Ventura, and  San Diego Counties.

Email: v.davis@vincentwdavis.com


Juvenile Dependency Attorney Locations

Arcadia Office
150 N. Santa Anita Ave,
Suite 200
Arcadia, CA 91006
Phone: (888) 888-6582
Fax: (626)-446-6454


Beverly Hills Office
9465 Wilshire Blvd.
Suite 300
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Phone: (888) 888-6582


La Mirada Office
Cerritos Towne Center
17777 Center Court Drive ,
Suite 600
Cerritos, California, 90703
Phone: (888) 888-6582


Los Angeles Office
Gas Company Tower
555 West Fifth Street,
31st Floor
Los Angeles, California, 90013
Phone: (888) 888-6582


Long Beach Office
Landmark Square
111 West Ocean Blvd.,
Suite 400
Long beach, California, 90802
Phone: (888) 888-6582


Irvine Office
Oracle Tower
17901 Von Karman Avenue,
Suite 600
Irvine, California, 92614
Phone: (888) 888-6582
Fax: (949)-203-3972


Ontario Office
Lakeshore Center
3281 E. Guasti Road,
7th Floor
City of Ontario, California, 91761
Phone:(888) 888-6582


Riverside Office
Turner Riverwalk
11801 Pierce Street,
Suite 200
Riverside, California, 92505
Phone: (888) 888-6582


San Diego
Emerald Plaza
402 West Broadway,
Suite #400
San Diego, California, 92101
Phone: (888) 888-6582


Aliso Viejo
Ladera Corporate Terrace
999 Corporate Drive,
Suite 100
Ladera Ranch, California, 92694
Phone: (888) 888-6582


Juvenile   Dependency   ResourcesIf you or a family member are facing off with Child Protective Services, Vincent W. Davis is here to help!

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