Houston Child Abuse Attorney
Experienced Child Abuse Lawyers Serving Houston, TX
According to the Texas Family Code, child abuse involves an act or an omission that results in a mental, emotional, or physical injury to a child that results in observable and material impairment in the child’s growth, development, or psychological function or failure to make a reasonable effort to prevent an act by another person that results in physical injury that results in substantial harm to the child. Child abuse can also include neglect or exploitation. Child abuse and neglect are broadly defined and heavily prosecuted by the State of Texas.
Penalties For Child Abuse In Texas
The punishment for child abuse will depend on the actual charges. In many cases, an assault perpetrated against a child will result in felony charges. If you are charged with a third-degree felony under Texas law, you could face up to ten years in prison and a fine not to exceed $10,000. A prosecutor may seek aggravated assault charges if there was evidence of serious bodily injury or the assault against the child was committed using a deadly weapon.
Common Child Abuse Charges
The abuse or neglect of a child may be charged under a number of different sections of Chapter 22 of the Texas Penal Code including:
- Assault (Section 22.01)
- Sexual Assault (Section 22.011)
- Aggravated Assault (22.02)
- Aggravated Sexual Assault (22.021)
- Injury to a Child, Elderly Individual, or Disabled Individual (Sec. 22.04)
- Abandoning or Endangering Child (Sec. 22.041)
- Leaving a Child in a Vehicle (Sec. 22.10)
Mandatory Reporting Of Child Abuse
Texas Family Code Section 261.101, requires that any person “having cause to believe that a child’s physical or mental health or welfare has been adversely affected by abuse or neglect” MUST immediately report it to law enforcement or the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Certain professionals may be criminally charged for failing to report suspected child abuse or neglect. These professionals include:
- Teachers
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Daycare workers
- Employees of a clinic or health care facility that provides reproductive services
- Juvenile probation officers
- Juvenile detention or correctional officers
Hire A Leading Child Abuse Defense Lawyer
Attorney James Alston is an experienced trial lawyer. He is Board Certified in Criminal Law and has represented countless clients in both state and federal court. As a Harris County District Attorney, Mr. Alston was assigned to the Child Abuse Division. During that time, he gained an extensive knowledge and experience in how prosecutors build their cases, including interviewing child witnesses, questioning medical experts, and evaluating police reports. If you have been charged with child abuse in Texas, you need an attorney with experience you can count on. Contact Attorney James Alston today at 713-228-1400.