FREE Case Review (866) 588-0600

Child Abuse Definition, Penalties and Sentencing in (2023)

Most states allow a prosecutor to charge the crime of child abuse as either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances of the case. Factors that may cause a prosecutor to file felony child abuse charges include situations in which the child is severely injured, where the abuse was particularly cruel or involved sexual acts, or the perpetrator had prior convictions for child abuse.
Awards & recognition
C.L. Mike Schmidt Published by C.L. Mike Schmidt
Free Confidential Lawsuit Review
If you or a loved one was injured, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit and we can help. Please click the button below for a Free Case Evaluation or call us toll-free 24 hrs/day by dialing (866) 588-0600.

Start My Free Case Review

What is Child Abuse?

Child abuse occurs when a child is intentionally harmed by an adult or another child. The abuse typically takes place over some time, but it can also be a one-off action. It can take the form of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, and it can happen in person or online.

What's the Difference Between Discipline and Child Abuse?

Discipline cannot be achieved through harsh words, punishment, or spanking. While it may provide the parent or caregiver with short-term benefits, it may take on the form of abuse in the long run, affecting the child's physical and mental health.

Discipline, therefore, is about teaching rules to children and following up on the consequences. Abuse, on the other hand, is when you cross the line and hurt a child so much that it causes severe physical, psychological, or emotional damage.

Related ArticleSexual Abuse Attorney

What's the Difference Between Child Abuse and Neglect?

"Child maltreatment" is an umbrella term that encompasses a variety of abuse and neglect of a child under the age of 18 by a parent, caregiver, or another person in a custodial role that results in harm, potential harm, or threat of harm to a child. Child neglect is defined as the failure to meet a child’s basic physical and emotional needs, whereas child abuse is actively doing harmful things to a child.

Related Article: Is It Illegal to Leave Your Kids in the Car?

Child Abuse Penalties and Sentencing

Child abuse is considered an especially heinous crime because of the obvious vulnerability and innocence of the victims. Society's attitude toward child abusers is reflected in the severity of punishments for many types of offenses involving children.

However, many laws also tend to mete out lesser penalties for offenses that amount to bad or negligent parenting. In most cases, these minor offenses are categorized as neglect and are often not punished as harshly as the intentional physical abuse of a child.

The range of child abuse penalties and sentencing depends on a variety of factors, including:

  1. The state where the abuse took place;
  2. The age of the child;
  3. Whether the offense involved sexual abuse;
  4. The extent that the child was physically or mentally injured; and
  5. The criminal history of the offender.

Related Articles:

See all related personal injury lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

Get a Free Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

The Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new legal challenges in all 50 states.

If you or a loved one was involved with these matters, you should contact our law firm immediately for a free case evaluation. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.

Free Confidential Case Evaluation

Verified 100% Secure SiteTo contact us for a free review of your potential case, please fill out the form below or call us toll free 24 hrs/day by dialing: (866) 588-0600.