Reputable Lawyer Defends People Charged With Child Abuse or Neglect

Accomplished criminal defense attorney serves parents and guardians in Orlando

Parents and adult guardians have a duty to provide love and support for the children in their care. The failure to do so can cause irreparable harm to vulnerable youngsters. At The Law Offices of Tad A. Yates, P.A., we often see families torn apart by child abuse investigations. During a divorce, one parent may accuse the other of child abuse to win a custody battle. Although the state has an interest in protecting kids from abuse and neglect, officials can be overzealous and intolerant in their enforcement of state laws and regulations, sometimes in violation of parents’ rights. If you have been accused of child abuse or neglect, you face the loss of your children as well as criminal charges and prison time. Mr. Yates advocates aggressively for your rights. Wherever possible, he negotiates solutions to help restore your family.

Florida laws on child abuse

In Florida, child abuse is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Child abuse can consist of any of the following:

  • The intentional infliction of physical or mental injury upon a child
  • An intentional act that could reasonably be expected to result in physical or mental injury to a child
  • Active encouragement of any person to commit an act that results, or could reasonably be expected to result, in physical or mental injury to a child

Any of the foregoing means doing something to hurt a child deliberately or doing something reckless that a reasonable person would know could hurt a child. For example, if you were driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol with a child in your car, authorities could charge DUI and child abuse.

Many people, because of their occupations, are mandatory reporters of child abuse. For example, teachers who see suspicious bruises on a child must report suspected abuse. They can be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor for failure to so report. Mandatory reports, filed out of fear of such sanctions, can often place innocent parents under investigation.

Under certain circumstances, aggravated child abuse can be charged. This is a first-degree felony that occurs when someone does one of the following:

  • Commits aggravated battery on a child, which is the intentional touching of another person with the intent to inflict great bodily harm or with a deadly weapon
  • Willfully tortures, maliciously punishes or willfully and unlawfully cages a child
  • Knowingly or willfully abuses a child and in so doing causes great bodily harm, permanent disability or permanent disfigurement to the child

Aggravated child abuse is punishable by up to 30 years in prison, 30 years of probation and a $10,000 fine.

Child neglect laws in Florida

Child neglect occurs when a parent or guardian does not provide for a child’s physical and emotional needs or fails to protect a child from danger. Penalties for neglect are as follows:

  • Child neglect without aggravating factors — This offense is a third-degree felony, calling for five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
  • Child neglect with great bodily harm — This offense is a second-degree felony, calling for 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

With so much at stake, you need a seasoned criminal defense lawyer with a track record of success in tough cases like yours. You can rely on Mr. Yates to put forth a robust and aggressive defense that challenges every element of the case against you.

Contact a skilled criminal law attorney in Orlando for defense to child endangerment crimes

The Law Offices of Tad A. Yates, P.A. provides aggressive criminal defense representation for clients accused of child abuse or neglect in the Orlando area. For reliable counsel, call the firm at 407-608-7777 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

attorney

Mr. Yates is a past-President of the Orange County Bar Association and the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association. He previously served as Chair of the Judicial Nominating Commission for the 9th Judicial Circuit. 

 Learn More

Contact us

Please fill out form below and one of our attorneys will contact you.

!
!
!

Our Office

Testimonials

  • When I met Tad Yates, I was frantic, scared and misinformed about the legalities of my case. He quickly reassured me that everything was going to be alright and started at once preparing my defense. Every time I needed to speak with him, he was there to give advice and inform me the status of my case. As a result of his hard work, he managed to get my case dismissed and this blemish off my record. If you’re thinking of hiring or consulting with Mr. Yates, your in great hands.

    ...
    Show More
  • Tad is an excellent attorney. Due to a momentary lapse in judgement, I was put in a bad position and could not be more grateful that I hired Tad. From the moment I met Tad, I knew that I was in great hands! Tad explained to me all possible outcomes of the case and really helped put my mind at ease. In the end, I wound up with a very positive outcome and I owe it all to him. Tad was always available when I needed to speak with him and I couldn’t be happier that I hired him. Without the help and guidance of Tad, I’m not sure where I would be today. Tad is not only an amazing attorney, but an all-around great person!

    ...
    Show More
  • I do not have enough words to describe how amazing the experience with this attorney was. He works very hard to obtain the best results for his clients. I could not have asked for better services. I had exceptional fast results, I highly recommend this attorney. Thank you again, Tad Yates.

  • After consulting with several different highly recommended lawyers, I decided to hire Tad. It was a decision that would truly effect my life in a very profound way. Tad never promised results, he did however layout his experience and give me his word he would put all his effort into my case. I felt that was the honesty I deserved. He was sincere, honest, and reliable. Every time we attended court he seemed to hold a very good relationship with all the court's people. My case with Tad lasted about 9 months. There were many times I wanted to break down, not knowing what the results would ultimately be; however Tad always personalized my case and would constantly provide me with assurance of his efforts. He was always extremely accessible. This gave me a lot of peace. The results of my case ended up being extremely satisfying. I was looking at losing everything, for good. I now have my peace, my freedom, and I am currently very successful. Even after my case, Tad kept tabs with me and ensured I was doing as I should. There is a handful of people God put in my life of whom helped me get to the next level, there is no denying Tad is one of them.

    ...
    Show More
  • Tad came highly recommended. Set up a consultation and after meeting him, hired him immediately. Tad is extremely knowledgeable, efficient and truly cares. He was always available to speak and support during a very difficult situation. Although he has many clients, he always made us feel important and took the time necessary to ensure our questions were answered and that we were comfortable with strategy and next steps. He ultimately achieved the desired result and we are forever grateful.

    ...
    Show More
  • When I met Tad Yates, I was frantic, scared and misinformed about the legalities of my case. He quickly reassured me that everything was going to be alright and started at once preparing my defense. Every time I needed to speak with him, he was there to give advice and inform me the status of my case. As a result of his hard work, he managed to get my case dismissed and this blemish off my record. If you’re thinking of hiring or consulting with Mr. Yates, your in great hands.- A.

    I was referred to Tad by a friend of the family. They told me what he did for them and assured me that he would do the same for me. He exceeded my expectations from start to finish. He used his knowledge of the law, professionalism and relationship skills to have my case completely dropped. No plea deals what so ever. He never once doubted me however he did explain exactly what we had to overcome. If you find yourself in a situation that could impact you for the rest of your life, whether you did anything wrong or not I would encourage you to give him a call.

    ...
    Show More

Choose a location to review

Law Offices of Tad A. Yates locations:

Ratings & Reviews

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    Strongly recommend Tad Yates as an attorney as well as his office staff, Kathy. They are absolutely on top of their game. Very attentive, astute and courteous. The kindness and understanding shown by their office is incomparable. They have ...
    Show More

    — Louis .Tsantes

  • lawyers
    5.0/5.0

    Time spent in any legal process can be stressful. Tad is a great communicator and put me at ease with the process. His knowledge and plan of action where exactly what I needed. I would definitely recommend giving his office a call if you ar...
    Show More

    — Client

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    I was highly recommended by a former Circuit Judge in Orlando to contact Mr Yates. He immediately took my call and put me at ease immediately. After his investigation into the matter he agreed to take my case. I never met him in person and ...
    Show More

    — Farrell Gordon

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    If you're reading this and you have a case pending, you need to stop immediately and call Tad's office. Take it from someone who has been there, Tad is a consummate professional and highly skilled tactician who will get you the best possibl...
    Show More

    — Brenden McDaniels

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    Tad is fantastic. Not only did he get my case dismissed in a timely manner, but he also made himself available over the holidays to provide advice and refer me to another law firm. He truly cares about his clients. I would highly recommend ...
    Show More

    — Leah