If you’ve been accused of harming a child, it may be a good idea to call Milwaukee child abuse lawyers as soon as possible.
In the state of Wisconsin, child abuse is a serious crime—and it’s one that carries extremely harsh penalties.
When Should You Hire Child Abuse Lawyers?
As soon as someone accuses you of child abuse, you may want to call an attorney. Child abuse and child neglect are both felonies under Wisconsin law. Unfortunately, many people are falsely accused of abuse and neglect (sometimes in conjunction with divorce cases); if that’s happened to you, you need an attorney who can aggressively defend you in court and help ensure that the truth comes out.
What is Child Abuse Under Wisconsin Law?
Under Wisconsin law, child abuse is the intentional causation of bodily harm. There are varying degrees of child abuse, as well:
- Child abuse is a Class I felony if you recklessly cause bodily harm to a child.
- Child abuse is a Class H felony if you intentionally cause bodily harm to a child.
- Child abuse is a Class F felony if you intentionally cause bodily harm to a child by conduct that creates a high probability of great bodily harm.
- Child abuse is a Class E felony if you recklessly cause great bodily harm to a child.
- Child abuse is a Class C felony if you intentionally cause great bodily harm to a child.
What is Child Neglect Under Wisconsin Law?
Child neglect, under Wisconsin law, applies to anyone who’s responsible for a child’s welfare and who either acts or fails to act, intentionally contributing to the child’s neglect.
Typically, neglect is a Class A misdemeanor, but in some cases, it’s a felony:
- Neglecting a child is a Class H felony if it results in bodily harm to the child.
- Neglecting a child is a Class F felony if it results in great bodily harm to the child.
- Neglecting a child is a Class D felony if it results in the child’s death.
Do You Need to Talk to Child Abuse Lawyers in Milwaukee or elsewhere in Wisconsin?
If you need to get in touch with child abuse lawyers in Milwaukee or Wisconsin, we may be able to help you. Call us at 414-383-6700. If it’s easier, you can also reach out to us online. We’ll evaluate your case and begin developing a defense strategy that gets you the best possible outcome right away.
