ABUSE & NEGLECT

Child Abuse Lawyer

Matters of neglect carry with them serious legal ramifications. Anytime a child has been taken from his or her parents’ guardianship and custody, the court process begins. Often, a lengthy and complex court case follows—especially if the health or wellbeing of a child is in any way harmed. The protection of innocent children is so important and false allegations and accusations of child abuse can be just as damaging for a child as actual abuse. The trauma of being taken away from a loving home or put into protective custody unduly is terrible. An experienced defense attorney can help get to the truth of the matter and work to protect your family's rights.

See What Our Clients Have To Say

"If you want a lawyer that will fight to the end and make sure Justice is served Brendan caver is the man for the job. I am currently going through family court in the Juvenile Center with the mother and the DCFS and as we all know we live in Illinois where the father's don't seem to have rights. That did not stop Brendan from getting me full custody of my daughter. it has been a rough road and I know there is still more to come but as long as I have Brendan as a lawyer I feel better about the situation now that my daughter is safe under my roof."

Randy R.
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Neglect and Child Abuse Lawyer in Rockford, IL

In matters of child abuse or neglect, turn to Brendan Caver as your child abuse attorney in Rockford, IL. Whether you are a parent, guardian or a foster parent, you likely have questions and want answers. Brendan will provide them. With over 10 years’ experience in juvenile abuse and neglect law, put Brendan’s service as a former juvenile abuse and neglect prosecutor and a seasoned juvenile abuse and neglect defense attorney to work for you.

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Representing All Forms of Abuse

As a seasoned child abuse lawyer in Rockford, IL, we’ve been privy to all types of child abuse and neglect cases. We understand what the courts are seeking to prove when it comes to both physical, emotional and sexual abuse, as well as cases of neglect.

Physical Abuse

is defined as any non-accidental bodily injury to the child.

Emotional Abuse

is defined as any behavior resulting in damage to mental health or social development of a child.

Sexual Abuse

is defined as any sexual act occurring between an adult and a child.

Neglect

is defined as a parent or guardian’s failure to provide a child with items essential for development or physical wellbeing.

What You Need To Know About Child Abuse Cases

Child abuse cases are typically very complex because there is a complicated story and the truth to try to unravel. Whenever the welfare of a child is questioned emotions will flare regardless if the allegations are true or not. Even if the charges are dropped and it turns out that the accusations were false it can still have a negative impact on a person and a family's life, which is why it is so important to reach out to an experienced child abuse defense attorney if you have been accused of child abuse.

Common Child Abuse Defenses

If a person accuses someone of child abuse it is a very serious charge. And depending on the circumstances there could be a number of other reasons to rationally explain what is going on.

False Allegations - This is probably the most common form of defense in a child abuse case. It is quite unfortunate but there are people who will lie about this type of situation for a number of reasons. Divorced or separated parents who are in a custody battle, dysfunctional family situations, or even children seeking attention who don't understand the seriousness of what they are doing can all bring forth a false accusation of child abuse.

Sensible Explanation For An Injury - If a child is injured depending on the type of injury or the circumstances surrounding it a doctor or healthcare professional might be suspicious of abuse. They are legally obligated to report any suspected child abuse cases, but just because it is reported doesn't mean it is abuse. A parent or guardian has the right to explain how a child has gotten injured and if there is any underlying reason which would look like abuse even though it isn't, for example if the child suffered from brittle bone disease.

Parent's Right To Discipline - As parent's it is our responsibility to raise our children and to teach them. Part of that job involves disciplining them when needed and there is an acceptable amount of force that could be deemed necessary such as spanking them. What is important is understanding what would be considered an appropriate amount of discipline and what would be deemed excessive.

Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy - In the case of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy a child is not actually being abused or hurt in the traditional sense. In these cases a parent is pretending that a child is being injured or is ill to garner attention and sympathy. These cases are typically very complex and are more about the parent's mental health than anything.

Brendan Will Answer Your Questions

Child abuse cases are never easy for anyone involved. If you’re tangled in a situation involving neglect or harm to a child, let Brendan provide guidance for you. For answers to your specific questions, please call or text 815-714-9508 for your free consultation, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. And if your child or teen has been charged with a crime don't hesitate to see our juvenile crimes page for your information on how we can assist you.