Child Abandonment Lawyer in Michigan
Child abandonment is an umbrella term that is used to refer to a variety of cases that involve the physical abandonment, or in some situations, the emotional abandonment of a child. If a parent, guardian, or caregiver leaves a child without thought to his or her safety, health, or welfare, or fails to provide the necessary care, he or she may face abandonment charges. In some states, child abandonment may be dealt with under child abuse laws. If you’re facing criminal charges for child abandonment in Michigan, it’s important that you contact a skilled CPS attorney as soon as possible. The team at Grabel & Associates has ample experience working in criminal defense, and is willing to go above and beyond to earn you the best available outcome. We understand that your reputation and future are on the line, which is why we are committed to exploring every legal option available. If you’ve been accused of child abandonment, give us a call at 1-800-342-7896 or contact us online to learn more about what our team can do to help you.
What Is Child Abandonment?
Many individuals wrongfully assume that term 'child abandonment’ only refers to physically leaving a child alone. This, however, is not the case. Child abandonment may also include extreme cases of emotional abandonment. Failure to provide physical contact or emotional support over a long period of time can be damaging to children, and are therefore taken seriously by the government and may result in misdemeanor charges. While the details of every child abandonment case are different, there are several common actions that often lead to criminal charges:
- Refusing to provide the child with support, care, or supervision.
- Leaving the child with someone else without first providing for the child’s support.
- Leaving an infant alone in a public place.
- Failing to communicate with the child.
- Leaving the child at home for a significant period of time.
- Failing to maintain regular visitation with the child.
If you or a loved one is facing criminal accusations, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Grabel & Associates team. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide you with a free initial case consultation.
Understanding the Laws Surrounding Child Abandonment Cases
There are several laws that directly pertain to child abandonment cases, two of which are the mandatory reporter law and the safe haven law. To protect individuals under the age of 18 that are susceptible to child abuse, many states have enacted ‘mandatory reporter’ laws. These laws require individuals in authority positions to file a report if they believe a child is being mistreated by his or her parents, guardian, or caretaker. The safe haven law protects mothers from being charged with child abandonment if they leave their baby in a safe place, such as a church, hospital, or fire station. If you need help navigating your child abandonment case and understanding the laws that have a direct impact on you, give an attorney a call right now. The team at Grabel & Associates would be happy to answer any questions you may have. We will connect you with an attorney who has worked on similar cases in the past, putting you one-step closer to your desired outcome.
Misdemeanor and Felony CPS Cases
Our lawyers have over 15 years of experience defending Michigan’s wrongfully accused and they are ready to step in at any stage of your case to fight on your behalf. If you’ve been accused of child abandonment, potential punishments may include fines, jail time, limited access to the child, or termination or parental rights. We understand what’s at stake in your case, and will battle to protect your family and uphold your reputation. If you need help proving your innocence, give us a call right now. The sooner you get in contact with us, the more we can do to help you be successful in your criminal case.
Contact Us for 24/7 Criminal Defense in Michigan
Contacting our team of defense attorneys is simple. Just call 1-800-342-7896 or fill out our online contact form. A member of our team will review every detail of your case and provide you with a free initial case consultation before connecting you with a seasoned lawyer. We will stand by your side throughout every step of the process and provide you with solid legal counsel, enabling you to make wise decisions that will impact you and your children. If you’re facing child abandonment charges, contact one of Michigan’s leading defense firms right now.