Almost 700,0000 children experience abuse across the United States each year.
Child abuse inflicts grievous damage on minors, and for everyone involved, it can have long-range consequences. When you’re looking to protect your child from abuse or ward off child abuse charges, you need a lawyer who can deliver.
Here’s a brief guide on issues you should know as you deliberate hiring a child abuse attorney.
What Is Child Abuse?
Child abuse is the mental, physical, and/or sexual abuse of a minor. The state and federal laws govern child abuse and neglect. State-wise, child abuse and neglect can fall under both civil and criminal statutes. Therefore, even if an abuser is acquitted in state criminal proceedings, victims can still file civil charges.
The age a child can be termed a minor varies depending on the applicable state law. Some states categorize a minor as a child under 16 years while others classify a minor as anyone under 18 years.
Things to Consider When Hiring a Child Abuse Attorney
Child abuse charges carry significant weight, and the consequences last for a long time. Thus, as soon as charges of child abuse arise, you need to retain an attorney. Some of the things to consider when hiring a child abuse lawyer include:
1. A Depth of Experience
Due to the gravity of child abuse charges, you need a lawyer who has in-depth experience dealing with cases similar to yours.
One area in which an experienced lawyer can really serve you well is keeping up with the latest child abuse law changes. For example, recent law changes in New Jersey give sexual abuse survivors a two-year limit to report a case.
However, what makes this instance stand out is that it gives child sexual abuse survivors a chance to file a case until they are 20 years old.
An experienced lawyer won’t just know about the changes, but they will be skilled at drawing an effective case strategy that leverages law changes to support your case.
2. Negotiation Experience
No amount of compensation extinguishes the anguish of child abuse. However, an experienced New Jersey lawyer can help you seek closure and compensation as part of that.
As you look for the right attorney, ask for their track record in their negotiation success. A reliable attorney will have a track record proving their ability to negotiate on behalf of their clients and get the rightful recovery.
3. Case Building Experience
When talking with a child abuse lawyer, ask them how they plan to build a claim. A wise attorney will be familiar with what it takes to build a case that will stand up in court. Collecting witness statements, getting the child’s mental health records, and obtaining prior conduct information on the perpetrator are some of the skills required.
Hire the Right Child Abuse Lawyer
Child abuse is grievous, and no matter what side of the case you’re on, you need proper representation. Make an effort to investigate what makes for a successful child abuse attorney to gain the best representation.
Child abuse is pernicious, and knowing what to do about it is critical. To help you learn other important life skills, our website offers a wide array of useful information. Check out more of our articles for exciting tidbits on lifestyle, travel, health, technology, and entertainment to keep you in the know.
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