Erie Child Abuse Lawyer

Erie Child Abuse Attorney

Child abuse is taken very seriously in Pennsylvania. When someone calls ChildLine to report you for suspected abuse, it can damage your reputation and cause endless emotional turmoil. From accusations to charges to appeals, knowing your rights and the law is important in your child abuse case. Before you try to take on the justice system, you need an Erie child abuse lawyer to advocate and work on your behalf.

The Levenson Law Firm has over 20 years of experience in criminal defense, including child abuse cases. We tackle felony offenses that can ruin your employment, destroy your relationships, and threaten your future.

Through a comprehensive approach, we get results while supporting you with compassion and understanding. You don’t have to do this alone. We can investigate, problem-solve, and develop a personalized strategy for your case.

Child Abuse in Pennsylvania

According to the 2024 Annual Child Abuse Report, there were 41,070 reports of suspected child abuse across the state. In Erie County, there were 1,226 reports with 111 substantiated, meaning the investigation led to criminal charges.

Of these founded cases, as they’re referred to, there were more women than men accused of child abuse. The biggest category of abuse was sexual.

Although many parents are accused of child abuse, these allegations can be placed on others who are unrelated to the child. Former spouses of parents and other adults in the household are also liable for abusive actions towards children.

This report also stated that Pennsylvania spent $287.67 million in 2024 on investigations and assessments to determine if there was abuse in these suspected cases. It’s a good idea to hire an Erie criminal defense lawyer if you’ve been accused and an investigation has started. Child and Youth Services and the police have resources that you don’t.

Types of Child Abuse

The Pennsylvania child abuse laws outline each category of child abuse: physical, neglect, sexual, and psychological. As a legal crime, a person must do these acts knowingly, intentionally, and recklessly.

Here are some examples:

• Physically harming a child, like shaking an infant, or failing to act when a child is injured
• Neglecting the child’s essential needs, like food, shelter, and medical care
• Creating an unsafe environment, like the conditions of the home, open drug use, operating a meth lab, or leaving the child with a registered sex offender
• Sexually abusing or exploiting a child, including sex trafficking
• Emotional or mental injury causing a psychological disorder, like anxiety or depression

In Pennsylvania, many people who interact with and supervise children through their employment are considered mandated reporters. These groups, such as teachers, child care staff, and clergy, are required to report any suspected child abuse. They don’t need solid evidence, only a suspicion based on physical traits or the child’s behavior. If they don’t report abuse, they could be charged with a felony themselves.

Although there were over 40,000 reports of child abuse in Pennsylvania in 2024, only 4,756 of them were substantiated. This means that almost 90% of reports don’t result in criminal charges. A skilled child abuse defense lawyer can help your chances.

Charges for Child Abuse in Pennsylvania

If you are found guilty of child abuse in Erie, you can face a misdemeanor or a higher-level felony. The penalty greatly depends on the situation, but four factors are taken into consideration:

• Severity
• Intent
• Number of previous offenses
• Sexual nature of the act

Megan’s Law, which is PA Title 42, Chapter 97, Subchapter H, highlights the penalty for sexual abuse through Tier I, II, and III of the sexual offender registry. The prison time for these offenses ranges from 15 years to life sentences.

FAQs

How Does Pennsylvania Investigate Child Abuse Allegations?

Pennsylvania investigates child abuse allegations after someone reports their suspicion to ChildLine. After the report is received, a caseworker screens it to determine if an investigation is needed. In cases where there is an imminent threat to the child’s safety, the police are notified. Otherwise, Erie County Children and Youth Services gathers information to decide the next steps.

Do Child Abuse Allegations Go on My Record in Pennsylvania?

Yes, child abuse allegations can go on your permanent record if the investigation finds evidence of abuse. If there’s enough evidence but nothing you can be charged with in court, you can be labeled as indicated on the ChildLine and Abuse Registry. If you have committed a criminal act, you can be charged, which means the child abuse was found. Either label on the ChildLine and Abuse Registry is a public record, meaning anyone can see it.

Can I Appeal a ChildLine and Abuse Registry Case in Pennsylvania?

You can appeal a ChildLine and Abuse Registry Case in Pennsylvania if you have the label of “indicated”. Founded cases of child abuse can’t be expunged from your record because they involve criminal charges and court proceedings. To appeal your indicated label, you have 90 days to file with the Bureau of Hearings and Appeals. You present your own evidence to prove you weren’t involved and ask for your name to be taken off the registry.

Do I Need an Erie Child Abuse Attorney?

Yes, you need an Erie child abuse attorney if you receive allegations against yourself. Dealing with investigations, interviews, appeals, and the possibility of losing your job can be overwhelming. A skilled attorney can use various strategies to help your case. There may be issues with evidence or a lack of intent. Having someone to guide you can make all the difference.

Hire A Child Abuse Lawyer in Erie

At The Levenson Law Firm, we strive to get you justice by helping you move past your child abuse allegations. We can build a case and advise you on the right approach to get justice.

We have decades of experience in serious criminal cases, making us a clear choice when you’re facing child abuse allegations, charges, or appeals. Our team can assist you from beginning to end. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.