Handling Issues Of Juvenile Law, Child Abuse And Neglect
We represent parents accused of child abuse or neglect. At the Central Arkansas law offices of Robertson, Oswalt, Nony & Associates, we offer non-judgmental legal guidance through what can often be a very difficult time for you and your children. As experienced juvenile law attorneys, we know that allegations of abuse or dependency-neglect often are the result of other problems parents are experiencing, so we work hard to get parents the support that they need.
Our attorneys are familiar with Arkansas juvenile laws and are experienced with handling delinquency cases, abuse cases and neglect cases. We frequently represent clients at Families in Need of Services (FINS) hearings and we are never afraid to confront the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS).
What Is Considered Neglect Of A Child In Arkansas?
When a parent or guardian fails to provide for a child’s basic needs, they may be said to have caused neglect. Arkansas law prohibits parents and guardians from the following:
- Failing to provide food, shelter and clothing, unless it is financially impossible and there are no services available to help
- Failing to provide medical care, unless they cannot afford it
- Failing to ensure the child is enrolled in school or receiving homeschooling, or failing to ensure they are attending school
- Failing to prevent physical or sexual abuse when they know or should have known it was possible
- Being unable or unwilling to meet the child’s mental and emotional needs
- Leaving the child alone in unsafe situations
- Failing to protect the child from abandonment or from an unfit parent or guardian, when they knew or should have known about it
- Giving birth to a child with an illegal substance in his or her body because the mother knowingly using an illegal drug during pregnancy
If a parent or guardian does not adequately provide for the safety and well-being of a child, they can face serious consequences under Arkansas law. If the parent or guardian endangers the welfare of a child in the second degree, they may be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, which may result in up to a year in prison and a fine of $1,000.
In more serious cases, endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree (knowingly abandoning a child under 10 years old) may result in Class D felony charges. People facing these charges may be imprisoned for up to six years and face a $10,000 fine.
If you are charged with child neglect or afraid that you might be charged, you should speak with a child neglect lawyer at Robertson, Oswalt, Nony & Associates. We have the knowledge and experience to help you in these difficult matters. We treat our clients with compassion because we understand that you may be unjustly accused of neglect or abuse. We will work to protect your rights.
Strong Lawyers Who Know Juvenile Law In Arkansas
We are dedicated to providing top-quality legal representation based on solid knowledge of Arkansas juvenile law. Unlike many court-provided public defenders, we do not maintain close relations with the prosecutors, so clients never have to fear that we are not completely loyal to them. Instead, we strive to be available or our clients, to answer their questions about child custody and juvenile laws, and to stand up for them in court.
Contact Robertson, Oswalt, Nony & Associates
Contact Robertson, Oswalt, Nony & Associates by sending us an email or calling 501-588-4451 to talk about juvenile law cases or any legal matter relating to your minor children. We offer confidential consultations. Visa and Mastercard are accepted. Please ask us about “product billing” and our dedication to providing cost-effective legal representation. From our office in Little Rock, we proudly help families throughout Arkansas.