Dutchess Child Abuse Defense Lawyer
Representation for Child Abuse, Neglect & Endangerment Charges in NY
Even the most caring parents in the world can be blindsided with an accusation of child abuse, neglect, or endangerment due to a misunderstanding, exaggeration, or fabrication. The New York Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) – the parent organization of Child Protective Services (CPS) – is required to take immediate action and begin investigations, even when there is no evidence of wrongdoing. Without reacting appropriately, a loving parent can be stripped of their rights to raise and see their children. They could also be slammed with criminal penalties, including jail time and steep fines.
At the Law Office of Dennis R. Vetrano, Jr., LLC, our criminal defense attorneys in Dutchess County cannot stand the thought of a great mother or father being separated from their child due to a false or misled accusation. We are capable of putting decades of legal experience in your corner to counter child abuse claims, both for your own future and that of your family. There really is no time to lose when so much is on the line. Call (845) 605-4330 or email our office at your first chance.
Defining Child Abuse, Neglect & Endangerment
Understanding the accusations against you is the first major step in defending yourself from them. Our Dutchess County child abuse defense lawyers make it simple for you to know what is going on in your case and what you need to do next. You can utilize our extensive experience as your own, erasing all the guesswork you might have otherwise encountered.
The OCFS may act against you if they are told your child has been harmed through:
- Abuse: Child abuse is often defined as the intentional act of harming a child, such as striking them harshly in discipline. The OCFS may remove a child from your care immediately when you are accused of abuse, preferring to place the child in a “safer space” until investigations are completed.
- Neglect: When a child is not given basic necessities needed to live and function happily or healthily, it may constitute child neglect. Basic needs include food, shelter, clothing, and general comfort and encouragement. Sometimes parents are accused of neglect simply for being unable to provide fully for their family, which places them in a frightful and unfair situation. Child neglect is also referred to as child maltreatment in many New York statutes.
- Endangerment: Child endangerment is a specific form of neglect or recklessness that places their child in harm’s way. For example, a parent who allows their young child to swim unsupervised in their pool could be accused of child endangerment and lose their parental rights due to OCFS action.
Penalties Enacted by the OCFS
If Child Protective Services believe you have committed child abuse to some extent, then you can expect there to be harsh and immediate consequences. Each one will change or jeopardize your family life, and may even spill negatively into your personal, professional, or social life. You have to contest every accusation fully and effectively to escape unjust penalties.
CPS and the OCFS may enact any of the following penalties following a child abuse accusation:
- Remove your child from your home.
- Disallow you from making decisions regarding your child’s care.
- Discontinue any communication between yourself and your child.
- Give full custody rights to your spouse or a guardian.
Keep in mind you may still face criminal charges if a CPS investigator determines child abuse did happen and intentionally. The state can prosecute you for child abuse or endangerment. If convicted, jail time, fines, and other severe criminal penalties may be used against you.
When You Need Justice, You Need Our Services
The Law Office of Dennis R. Vetrano, Jr., LLC is a legal team of Dutchess County criminal defense attorneys capable of managing sensitive child abuse defense cases as well. We are well-versed in family law, which gives us useful insight into how the case may develop and what factors could have led to false accusations or exaggerations. Oftentimes, it is an ex-spouse who files the accusations, and so it is helpful to know how to work with them to get to the truth.
Start your defense case with an initial consultation by calling (845) 605-4330.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
READ WHAT PAST CLIENTS HAD TO SAY
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"Unfortunately some of the hardest times in our lives we need an attorney to help guide us through such emotional and uncertain and scary period"Unfortunately some of the hardest times in our lives we need an attorney to help guide us through such emotional and uncertain and scary period. Choosing the best attorney can take away some of the fear and anxiety Dennis and his absolutely amazing team have held my hand and calmed my nerves on more than one occasion Stacey is always on the other end of the phone to reassure me that it is a process and it will be ok.I have found such comfort in Dennis his knowledge and strong confidence that he and his team have it all under control allows me to focus on myself and my children while they handle my case. I highly recommend this firm!- Jennifer Garofolo
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"I am extremely thankful for having received the best representation from my attorney Kristen D. Farris for a temporary order of protection case against my soon to be ex-husband."
I am extremely thankful for having received the best representation from my attorney Kristen D. Farris for a temporary order of protection case against my soon to be ex-husband. Everything went so smooth with her amazing expertise and professionalism. In the court, she took charge right away and everything was just so well. I was so relieved! The outcome of the case was perfect and the case settled without any issues. I had no chance to stress! Finally, the office staff was so friendly and the communication, which was mostly through e-mail, was perfect. I am looking forward to working with Kristen with the next steps of getting a divorce. God answered my prayer when I asked for a great attorney :) I was so nervous but thankfully everything went so well!!!
- Rosa Gonzalez -
"Kristen and Erika were wonderful to work with. Very professional, yet compassionate. They thoroughly explained everything in understandable terms."
Kristen and Erika were wonderful to work with. Very professional, yet compassionate. They thoroughly explained everything in understandable terms. Both Kristen and Erika were prompt in all communications and kept me informed throughout.
- Rebecca T. -
"Tough, gracious, generous, and committed describe Kristen’s qualities as my attorney."
Tough, gracious, generous, and committed describe Kristen’s qualities as my attorney. And much thanks to the paralegal team as well. Their combined experience provided prompt support whenever I had any questions and helped talk me through my situation and to provide clarity. I can’t thank Kristen and her team enough for the all hard work and kindness through the process.
- T. Curtis-Verderosa -
"Christal Prinz is OUTSTANDING! She has compassion and a wealth of knowledge about the law."
Christal Prinz is OUTSTANDING! She has compassion and a wealth of knowledge about the law. She has a good common-sense approach as well. It was a delight to work with her considering the circumstances and nuances of my case and the law.
- A.P. -
"I am so thankful I found this law office to handle my divorce. Kristen was a pleasure to deal with and handled my divorce flawlessly. Communication was always very fast, and always very clear."
I am so thankful I found this law office to handle my divorce. Kristen was a pleasure to deal with and handled my divorce flawlessly. Communication was always very fast, and always very clear. I highly recommend! Couldn’t have been handled better. Thank you.
- Claudia Franciosa -
"The guidance and knowledge they provided was immeasurable."I am so grateful for the wonderful team that assisted me through one of the most difficult times of my life. The guidance and knowledge they provided was immeasurable.- Jessica Conklin
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"I am happy to recommend DRV Law and Kristen F. specifically. As a father divorcing an intractable and vengeful spouse, I was terrified of how the court would treat a father vs a mother, as well as of how my ex could muddy and delay the process."I am happy to recommend DRV Law and Kristen F. specifically. As a father divorcing an intractable and vengeful spouse, I was terrified of how the court would treat a father vs a mother, as well as of how my ex could muddy and delay the process. And all in the midst of a pandemic that made everything more complicated. Kristen and her team’s legal advice was consistently spot on, the office’s communication was regular and helpful, and their billing was fair and understandable. You won’t be disappointed in them!- A.B.