Sacramento Child Abuse Attorney
Standing up for the Accused in Sacramento County
Are you facing allegations of child abuse? If so, you are likely feeling overwhelmed. A conviction for child abuse can affect your custody and visitation rights, your career, and your future in unthinkable ways.
Remember: You are not alone in this. Our child abuse defense attorney in Sacramento provides all clients with top-quality legal representation. We are skilled litigators with extensive experience handling child abuse cases. Our goal is to provide you with results-driven legal representation that helps you feel confident and supported in court.
Contact the Law Office of Gilbert B. Vega at (916) 249-9417 for a free consultation. We accept cases from clients throughout Sacramento County.
Types of Child Abuse Cases
A variety of situations can result in child abuse charges. These cases are often complicated and emotionally charged. Child abuse allegations can lead to severe legal repercussions.
Child abuse cases may involve:
- Physical abuse
- Psychological abuse
- Neglect
- Sexual abuse
- Sex with a minor
- Rape
- Child pornography
- Child prostitution
Legal Consequences of Child Abuse Charges in California
The penalties of a conviction can be severe. In addition to fines and jail time, a conviction can affect your ability to find employment, rent a home, and maintain custody of your child. Depending on the nature and severity of the charges, penalties may include:
- Criminal Charges: Child abuse can be classified as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the severity of the offense. Misdemeanor charges may result in up to a year in jail, while felony charges can lead to several years in prison.
- Civil Liability: Victims of child abuse may file civil lawsuits seeking damages for emotional and physical harm, which can result in significant financial liability.
- Child Protective Services (CPS) Involvement: Allegations of child abuse often trigger investigations by CPS, which can lead to the removal of children from their home and affect parental rights.
- Sex Offender Registration: In cases of sexual abuse, a conviction may require registration as a sex offender, with lasting implications for employment and housing.
With the serious implications of child abuse allegations, having a skilled Sacramento child abuse defense attorney by your side is crucial to safeguarding your rights and reputation. Our team at the Law Office of Gilbert B. Vega has extensive experience in child abuse defense, equipping us to build a strong case tailored to your unique circumstances.
Defense Strategies for Child Abuse Allegations
Navigating child abuse allegations requires a thoughtful and strategic approach. The Law Office of Gilbert B. Vega employs various defense strategies tailored to the specifics of each case:
Challenging the Evidence
A fundamental aspect of a strong defense is questioning the validity of the evidence against you. This may include examining witness testimonies, the credibility of the accuser, and the methods used by law enforcement to gather evidence. If evidence was obtained unlawfully or if there are inconsistencies in the claims, this can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case.
False Allegations
In some instances, individuals may face false allegations due to personal conflicts, misunderstandings, or revenge. Presenting evidence that supports your innocence, such as alibis or character witnesses, can help demonstrate that the allegations are unfounded.
Lack of Intent
Proving that there was no intent to harm or neglect the child is a vital defense strategy. For example, a parent may have made a mistake in judgment without malicious intent. In cases of neglect, demonstrating efforts to provide for the child’s needs can also be crucial.
Mental Health Considerations
In some cases, mental health issues may play a role in the allegations. If the accused has a documented history of mental health problems that could influence their behavior, this may be relevant in court and could lead to alternative sentencing options, such as counseling or rehabilitation.
Emotional Distress of the Accuser
If the accuser has a history of emotional or psychological issues that could lead them to make unfounded accusations, this information may be vital to your defense.
Addressing False Allegations
Unfortunately, false accusations of child abuse are all too common. Whether a malicious former spouse accused you of abuse or a teacher misunderstood a child’s injury, you should not be punished for a crime you never committed.
If you have found yourself unexpectedly facing criminal charges, you should act quickly and secure legal representation as soon as possible. Even if you know yourself to be innocent, the stakes are too high to risk representing yourself. Call the Sacramento child abuse lawyer at the Law Office of Gilbert B. Vega in your time of need.
We Fight Diligently for Every Client
At our firm, we are always professional and treat every case with care and dedication. We take a straightforward approach to criminal defense and work hard to uncover all of your legal options. Our Sacramento child abuse attorney will be there with you every step of the way. When you have questions, we have answers. We even answer calls in the evenings and on weekends.
For a free case evaluation with our Sacramento child abuse lawyer, call us at (916) 249-9417.
Client Reviews Speak Volumes
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"I was really happy with how much compassion and attentiveness he showed through the whole court process."
Mr. Vega and his staff were very supportive and made sure you understood everything about your case. He was available to us 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns we had. I was really happy with how much compassion and attentiveness he showed through the whole court process. I appreciate his help so much and recommend Mr. Vega if you are looking for a confident and dependable lawyer.
- Monique -
"I highly recommend him."
Gilbert was a great help. Things were looking bad. The DA was trying to give me 3 years and a felony on my record. Thanks to Gilbert I was given a misdemeanor until I finish my diversion classes then its expunged from my record. I highly recommend him.
- Nikolas -
"He’s so down to earth and easy to talk to."
I made some stupid choices in 2015 that came back to hunt me January 2016. I was extremely scared of the thought of going to jail for a few years over a stupid choice I made the prior year. As soon as I talked to Mr. Vega, I instantly knew I wanted to hire him to represent me. It’s so unlike me to make such an important decision without doing a lot of research but I knew from speaking on the phone with him that he would be the one to help me. Although I was facing these charges and having to explain to him everything that happened, not one time did he make me feel like a criminal. He’s so down to Earth and easy to talk to. Mr. Vega was able to get me 90 days of house arrest which I was only required to do half of. Forever thankful for your help and would recommend him to anyone who needs an attorney!
- Amber -
"Gilbert Vega is an honest lawyer who is knowledgeable, respectful and gives you his time."
Gilbert Vega is a great lawyer, he is great a keeping communication and being informative. In our particular case he seemed to know the marijuana laws in California very well. I had a family member incarcerated with 2 strikes. I talked with 1 lawyer before Mr. Vega who he pretty much told me my brother would be facing a 25 to life sentence, no help at all but was very eager to take my money. Desperate, we found Mr. Vega and after talking with him, hired and paid him. We trusted he would help us take the sentence down and the rate he gave me was a lot more affordable than the previous lawyer. His rate was a flat fee which included travel time and his services through the whole process. We appreciate him for all he did and he was willing to give me a refund after hearing my brother had been released. Gilbert Vega is an honest lawyer who is knowledgeable, respectful and gives you his time, same with his staff. I recommend this lawyer to anyone. I will definitely hire him again should it be necessary.
- Ashley -
"Mr. Vega got some charges dropped and got me deal of one year in Sac County with half time"
Mr.Vega was a great beacon of hope when I was incarcerated last June of 2014. I was charged with some serious crimes and was facing 10 years in prison but Mr.Vega got some charges dropped and got me deal of one year in Sac County with half time so I served 6 months. His team and he are the best. I will always be thankful.
- Former Client -
"He handled it perfectly and was able to get it cleared up."
Mr. Vega did an outstanding job handling a background check error. It almost caused me not to get hired with InShape health clubs. He handled it perfectly and was able to get it cleared up and I was able to start working!! If I am ever in need of an attorney again, I will definitely give him a call. Thank you very much, Mr. Vega!!!
- Nick -
"Mr. Vega reassured me that he would do his best and was with me every step of the way"
Mr. Vega is an amazing attorney and I would recommend him to anyone!!! Let me just be frank my case was looking unbelievably scary! I had 150,000 bail was looking at federal charges and my entire life was in jeopardy...multiple felonies. Mr. Vega reassured me that he would do his best and was with me every step of the way answered every question, every phone call, every time!!! I ended up receiving a misdemeanor and sheriff work release 120 days, after facing 4 years state/ 10 years federal!! Now if my review doesn't convince you then idk what will but he was worth every single penny and I'll love him for life, he saved my life!
- Avant -
"Regardless of the charges you are facing, he will treat you as a person and not what the paper says about you."
Hiring an attorney can be a stressful process. Mr.Vega was very helpful right from the very first phone call. He is very down to earth, and was able to explain things so that I understood. My husband was facing felony drug charges, and a possible 6 year sentence. He took the case seriously and made us feel like we mattered and that we had a voice. Regardless of the charges you are facing, he will treat you as a person and not what the paper says about you. He was able to get a very good deal that we didn't think was possible and in fact were told by other attorneys was out of the question. My husband was able to get all charges but one dismissed, 1 year of county jail , with half, credit for time served and probation and the ability to apply for early release via the work project program. That's amazing. He was willing to negotiate to come up with a payment plan to fit the needs of everyone involved. I'm 100% happy with his service and would highly recommend him to anyone.
- Paris