Articles Posted in Child Abuse and Neglect

How Forensic Psychiatry and Brain Imaging Reduced a Felony to a Misdemeanor Sometimes, criminal conduct is not the result of willful choice. Sometimes, the brain itself is compromised—damaged by disease, infection, or injury in ways that affect judgment, impulse control, and the ability to appreciate the consequences of one’s actions. This is where forensic psychiatry…

How the Right Expert Exposed Fatal Flaws in the State’s Theory When prosecutors charge someone with murder based on medical evidence, they rely on state experts—medical examiners, Child Protection Team doctors, and forensic analysts. These experts shape the entire case. And when they get it wrong, the consequences can be catastrophic. In this case, my…

What an Honest Criminal Defense Attorney Will Tell You About Experts and Costs When someone faces serious criminal charges—murder, sexual battery, aggravated child abuse—the difference between conviction and acquittal often comes down to one thing: expert witnesses. Expert witnesses are a crucial part of criminal defense cases in Tampa, Florida. Not legal arguments. Not courtroom…

How a Rare Birth Defect Was Mistaken for Child Abuse A young father. A toddler daughter with a fractured pancreas. And a Child Protection Team doctor who immediately concluded the father had done it. Within hours, DCF removed the child from both parents. Then, within days, prosecutors launched an aggravated child abuse investigation—a charge that…

A criminal accusation can destroy a teaching career in hours. When allegations involve students—especially claims of sexual misconduct—school administrators act immediately, news outlets publish within days, and your professional reputation faces permanent damage. Even false accusations leave lasting scars. If you are a teacher under investigation in Tampa or Hillsborough County, you need a criminal…

HB 777 Amends F.S. 787.025 | Effective October 1, 2025 A new Florida child luring law goes into effect on October 1, 2025. House Bill 777 amends Florida Statute 787.025, expanding the scope of child luring offenses and significantly increasing penalties. If you are accused under this statute in Tampa Bay, the risks are higher…

A complete, expert-driven medical records review is one of the most powerful tools in defending child abuse charges—and it’s often the difference between conviction and dismissal ⚠ THE STAKES IN AGGRAVATED CHILD ABUSE CASES Aggravated child abuse is a first-degree felony in Florida, punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Even if acquitted, the…

Florida law creates critical exceptions to confidentiality when a child’s welfare is at stake—therefore, understanding these rules is essential to your defense ⚠ CRITICAL: MOST PRIVILEGES DO NOT APPLY IN CHILD ABUSE CASES If you believe your conversations with doctors, therapists, or even your spouse remain protected from disclosure in a child abuse investigation—you may…

When Medical Testimony Doesn’t Follow the Scientific Method The Problem Many Child Protection Team doctors rely on assumptions and untested theories rather than scientifically verified conclusions. These opinions have been passed down as accepted knowledge—without the rigor of controlled, repeatable scientific testing. In child abuse cases, medical testimony carries tremendous weight. However, it does not…

Child neglect is a serious charge in Tampa, Florida, carrying significant legal consequences. However, Florida courts have consistently ruled that not every instance of poor judgment or parental negligence constitutes criminal neglect. Understanding the legal distinctions can help parents and caregivers protect their rights and defend against unjust accusations. Learn more about neglect from a…