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Child Abuse and Neglect in Wisconsin: Types of Charges and Convictions
While being arrested and charged with any type of crime is a serious matter, certain offenses are considered sensitive crimes and can result in both criminal charges and negative consequences to a person’s life. A criminal conviction for child abuse or neglect may impact a person’s family relationships, the custody of his or her children, and even one’s career.
If you have been accused of child abuse or neglect, you should be sure to understand the nature of the charges and your options for defense.
Child Abuse and Neglect Under Wisconsin Law
The potential charges related to child abuse or neglect can vary depending on the nature of the alleged offense. Wisconsin law identifies the following types of abuse and neglect towards children under the age of 18:
- Intentionally causing bodily harm - This is a Class H felony, which is punishable by up to six years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Intentionally causing great bodily harm (injury with a substantial risk of death or which results in permanent disability or disfigurement) is a Class C felony, which is punishable by up to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. Intentionally harming a child by participating in conduct with a high probability of great bodily harm is a Class F felony, which is punishable by up to 12 years and six months in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.
- Recklessly causing bodily harm - This offense involves injury to a child by putting him or her in a situation that unreasonably risks the child’s safety. This is a Class I felony, which is punishable by up to three years and six months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Recklessly causing great bodily harm is a Class E felony and is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000. Recklessly harming a child by participating in conduct with a high probability of great bodily harm is a Class H felony.
- Failure to prevent bodily harm - This offense involves a family member or other person responsible for a child’s welfare failing to take steps to protect a child if he or she knows that someone plans to intentionally or recklessly harm a child or has done so in the past. This is a Class H felony, and if a child suffers great bodily harm, it is a Class F felony.
- Child neglect - A parent, family member, or other person responsible for a child’s welfare commits this offense if he or she endangers a child’s physical, mental, or emotional health by failing to provide a child with necessary food, clothing, medical care, shelter, and education. This is a Class H felony if a child suffers bodily harm. If a child suffers emotional harm, it is a Class G felony and is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. If a child suffers great bodily harm or is the victim of a child sex offense due to neglect, it is a Class F felony. If a child dies because of neglect, it is a class D felony and is punishable by up to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
Contact a Milwaukee, WI, Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you are facing accusations of child abuse or neglect, it is essential to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney to determine how to proceed with your case. At Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP our skilled Milwaukee criminal defense attorneys can provide you with the guidance and representation you need to protect your reputation, your family relationships, and your freedom. Contact us at 414-271-1440.
Sources:
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/948/03
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/948/21
http://wilawlibrary.gov/topics/familylaw/childabuse.php
