New York City Child Abuse and Neglect Attorney
“Issues related to children can be particularly difficult to handle, both legally and emotionally.”
Issues related to children can be particularly difficult to handle, both legally and emotionally. Problems arise when the adults in a child’s life choose to expose them to harm. When this happens, the courts may get involved to try to remove the child from harm’s way. In these situations, you need a New York City child abuse and neglect attorney. You can count on the Law Office of Rachel Ambats, PLLC to be by your side. These are serious charges and you will face not only the possibility of jail time but also not being able to see your children. Let Ms. Ambats get to work defending you today, beginning by acting as an intermediary between you, prosecutors and Child Protective Services.
As a former prosecutor for the New York City Administration for Children’s Services, Rachel Ambats has extensive experience with the "ins and outs" of child abuse and neglect cases. Ms. Ambats has the knowledge and experience needed to handle even the most sensitive issues.
What Constitutes Child Abuse or Neglect?
The state of New York takes child abuse and neglect claims very seriously. That is why you need to be prepared to defend yourself. There is a difference between child abuse and neglect, as defined by the state.
Child Abuse includes the following:
Physical abuse when a caretaker or parent inflicts or allows another person to inflict serious physical injury to a child
It can include: shaking, biting, beating, punching, kicking, burning, and more
It also includes a parent or caretaker allowing a situation to be created in which a child is the victim of harm
Child abuse can also include sexual abuse
Child Neglect includes the following:
Neglect includes the failure of a parent, guardian, or caretaker to provide for the basic necessities of a child under their care. This includes food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or proper supervision
Neglect can include keeping a child:
Attending school
Obtaining mental health
Leaving a disabled child alone
Leaving a child with someone who cannot properly care for them
And more
What are the Consequences of Being Found Guilty?
Not all cases of child abuse begin with charges. Often, they entail a complaint that is investigated by Child Protective Services. If an investigator feels that a child is in imminent risk, they will remove the child immediately. If they do not feel there is an immediate risk, the investigator can still start a process to review whether a child should be removed from the home.
If you are charged with child abuse or neglect, you potentially risk losing custody and a relationship you have with the child. You can also face a range of penalties, as child abuse charges can be misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the seriousness of the offense.
How can I be charged if it is not true?
We recognize that there are various reasons someone would be accused of abuse or neglect. In many cases, one party makes false accusations during a divorce or custody process.
As the public awareness of child abuse increases, more and more people are making reports in good faith. There are times, however, when these reports prove to be incorrect. However, going through a false accusation is never easy for the person being accused, even if they are innocent.
Let Us Help You Through This
If you or a loved one has been accused of child abuse or neglect, you need to act now. Securing legal assistance is vital to your future. At the Law Office of Rachel Ambats, PLLC, you can count on having a skilled attorney by your side. Ms. Ambats used to prosecute these cases, so she understands the best path forward to get your charges reduced or dismissed altogether.
If you need a New York City child abuse and neglect lawyer, contact us for a free consultation.