EVERYONE DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE


SALT LAKE CITY CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

EVERYONE DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE


SALT LAKE CITY CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

CHILD ABUSE IN UTAH

Defending Parents and Others Against Damaging Allegations

Facing allegations of child abuse can be a terrifying ordeal. In Utah it is a serious crime carrying substantial criminal penalties — and if the alleged victim is your own child, it can have a major impact on your parental rights. Well-meaning teachers and medical personnel are often overly cautious in reporting suspicious injuries, which can cause even conscientious parents to fall under scrutiny. Even more disturbingly, allegations of child abuse can serve as weapons in domestic disputes and custody litigation. If you have been accused of child abuse or are under investigation by police or the Division of Child and Family Services, consulting a Utah child abuse attorney from Intermountain Legal early can help you take control of the situation before your rights are irreparably damaged.

Utah Child Abuse Laws

Utah law adopts a broad definition of child abuse that can encompass even minor and accidental injuries. Depending on the circumstances, the grading for child abuse crimes can range from a Class C misdemeanor to a second-degree felony:

  • Physical injury inflicted through criminal negligence — Class C misdemeanor
  • Physical injury recklessly inflicted — Class B misdemeanor
  • Physical injury intentionally inflicted — Class A misdemeanor
  • Serious physical injury inflicted through criminal negligence — Class A misdemeanor
  • Serious physical injury recklessly inflicted — third-degree felony
  • Serious physical injury intentionally inflicted — second-degree felony
Contact a Child Abuse Lawyer
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How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

Child abuse cases can be technical and complicated. Because there are rarely adult first-hand witnesses, these allegations often turn on medical evidence and, in the case of older children, accounts from the victims themselves. This kind of evidence is frequently subject to interpretation. But a Utah child abuse lawyer can identify the issues that may come into play and, if necessary, procure reliable expert testimony that can often be crucial in these types of cases.

Even in situations where an acquittal or dismissal is not likely, the broad range of penalties for crimes involving children in Utah means that an experienced attorney can still be beneficial. A good child abuse attorney can identify and draw attention to the more favorable aspects of your case to obtain a lesser sentence or negotiate a favorable plea bargain.

Call the Firm for a Free Consultation for Child Abuse Charges

Intermountain Legal attorneys have experience representing both parents and non-parents facing child abuse allegations. We know the law and we know the process. Call our office today at 801-970-2800 or contact us online to begin taking control of your legal troubles.

Our Other Services

Intermountain Legal is located in Salt Lake City, UT and serves clients throughout all of Northern and Central Utah including Salt Lake City, Midvale, Sandy, West Jordan, North Salt Lake, Bountiful, South Jordan, Clearfield, Woods Cross, Draper, Farmington, Centerville, Layton, Ogden, Lehi, Provo, Orem, Park City and the counties of Davis, Salt Lake, Weber, Utah, Tooele and Summit.

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STEVEN K. BURTON

As a former prosecutor Steven gained an intimate knowledge of various Domestic Violence Courts, DUI courts and other criminal court programs and procedures. He has spent over 3,500 hours in court and has argued more cases than most attorneys do in a lifetime. For more on Steve's experience, click here.

Jackie Reidelberger, criminal law attorney
JACKIE REIDELBERGER

Jackie is a skilled trial attorney and negotiator who specializes in criminal defense. Her work ethic and genuine concern for her clients has given her a reputation for outworking and out-preparing opposing attorneys so she can negotiate from a position of strength and fight the cases that need to be fought. Because she cares about her clients, she considers each client’s specific needs and concerns in order to reach the best possible outcome in their case. For more on Jackie's experience click here.

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MARK LAROCCO

Mark is skilled at dealing with all aspects of family law, including helping clients obtain modifications, enforce court orders, and achieve fair custody and support awards. Going through a painful divorce or a custody battle can be one of the most difficult times in someone’s life, and Mark is there to help every step of the way. For more on Mark's experience, click here.

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JUSTIN PRATT

Attorney Justin S. Pratt handles all types of criminal cases, with an emphasis on DUI-related charges. He believes that someone who is charged with a crime deserves the specialized attention of an attorney who will protect his client's rights by taking the time to examine constitutional issues, important factual circumstances, and any other crucial factors that may be relevant to the case. For more on Justin's experience, click here.

Hayli Dickey, Family Law attorney
HAYLI DICKEY

Hayli is a skilled attorney who specializes exclusively in family law. She is known as a “spitfire” attorney but with a personable personality. Because of her excellent reputation and track record of success in Utah courts, she was heavily recruited by multiple law firms. She joined Intermountain Legal because of the firm’s dedication to giving personal attention to each client and to providing excellent legal representation in every case. For more on Hayli's experience click here.

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STEVEN K. BURTON

As a former prosecutor Steven gained an intimate knowledge of various Domestic Violence Courts, DUI courts and other criminal court programs and procedures. He has spent over 3,500 hours in court and has argued more cases than most attorneys do in a lifetime. For more on Steve's experience, click here.

 
Justin Pratt
JUSTIN PRATT

Attorney Justin S. Pratt handles all types of criminal cases, with an emphasis on DUI-related charges. He believes that someone who is charged with a crime deserves the specialized attention of an attorney who will protect his client's rights by taking the time to examine constitutional issues, important factual circumstances, and any other crucial factors that may be relevant to the case. For more on Justin's experience, click here.

 
mark-cir
MARK LAROCCO

Mark is skilled at dealing with all aspects of family law, including helping clients obtain modifications, enforce court orders, and achieve fair custody and support awards. Going through a painful divorce or a custody battle can be one of the most difficult times in someone’s life, and Mark is there to help every step of the way. For more on Mark's experience, click here.

 
Jackie Reidelberger, criminal law attorney
JACKIE REIDELBERGER

Jackie is a skilled trial attorney and negotiator who specializes in criminal defense. Her work ethic and genuine concern for her clients has given her a reputation for outworking and out-preparing opposing attorneys so she can negotiate from a position of strength and fight the cases that need to be fought. Because she cares about her clients, she considers each client’s specific needs and concerns in order to reach the best possible outcome in their case. For more on Jackie's experience click here.

 
Elly hendriksen, criminal law, divorce attorney
HAYLI DICKEY

Hayli is a skilled attorney who specializes exclusively in family law. She is known as a “spitfire” attorney but with a personable personality. Because of her excellent reputation and track record of success in Utah courts, she was heavily recruited by multiple law firms. She joined Intermountain Legal because of the firm’s dedication to giving personal attention to each client and to providing excellent legal representation in every case. For more on Hayli's experience click here.