Houston Child Abuse Attorneys
Houston Injury to a Child Lawyer for 25 years
Parents, family members, guardians or caretakers of children are often alarmed or stunned that they are accused of child abuse or neglect in the Greater Houston area. Because of reporting requirements in Texas, law enforcement officers usually will investigate almost all reports of discipline or physical abuse, including slapping, hitting, spanking, kicking, beating, broken bones or any welts, bruises or marks on the child. And, contrary to what many believe, spanking as a form of reasonable discipline is legal.
Although bruises and marks alone are insufficient evidence for a child abuse conviction, allegations of child neglect or abuse can result in serious consequences if the alleged abuser is convicted or placed on probation, including jail time, fines, irreparable harm to reputation, humiliation, loss of parental rights and/or a permanent criminal record.
Contact James G. Sullivan & Associates for a free consultation at (281) 546-6428 about your allegations of child abuse or child neglect.
Charges or accusations of child neglect or abuse do not have to result in a criminal conviction. To do so, each and every element of the offense has to be proved beyond a reasonable doubt by the state prosecutor. This burden of proof is very high and the State often has difficult in meeting it. If the jury has a reasonable doubt you committed every element of the offense, you will be found not guilty. If the State does not believe they can prove their case at trial, the State may offer to reduce the charges to a misdemeanor or even dismiss the charges outright. Therefore, it is extremely important that you contact an experienced criminal trial lawyer in the Greater Houston area who will investigate your case and suggest the best legal strategy to defend you.
Contact Harris County Child Abuse Lawyer James Sullivan & Associates for a free consultation at (281) 546-6428 about your allegations of child abuse or child neglect.
What is Child Abuse in Houston?
Texas law defines abuse under Texas Family Code §261.001(1) as any of the following acts or omissions:
Mental or emotional injury to a child that results in an observable and material impairment in the child’s growth, development, or psychological functioning;
Allowing a child to be in a situation where the child receives mental or emotional injury;
Physical injury or threat of substantial harm to the child;
Failure to make a reasonable effort to prevent the acts of another person that results in physical injury that results in substantial harm to the child;
Sexual conduct harmful to a child’s emotional, mental or physical welfare including conduct that constitutes the offense of continuous sexual abuse of young child or children (Texas Penal Code §21.02), indecency with a child (TPC § 21.11) sexual assault (TPC §22.011) or aggravated sexual assault (TPC § 22.021);
Failure to make a reasonable effort to prevent sexual conduct harmful to a child;
Compelling or encouraging a child to engage in sexual conduct such as prostitution or pornography;
Using a controlled substance by a person in a way that the use results in mental, emotional or physical injury to a child;
Causing, allowing or encouraging a child to use a controlled substance; and/or
Causing, allowing, encouraging, or engaging in a sexual performance by a child (TPC § 43.25).
What is Child Neglect in Houston?
Neglect is defined by TFC §261.001(4) as:
Leaving a child in a situation where the child would be exposed to a substantial risk of physical or mental harm, without arranging for necessary care for the child, and the demonstration of an intent not to return by a parent, guardian, or managing or possessory conservator of the child;
Placing a child in or failing to remove a child from a situation that a reasonable person would realize requires judgment or actions beyond the child’s level of maturity, physical condition, or mental abilities and that results in bodily injury or a substantial risk of immediate harm or harmful sexual conduct;
The failure to seek medical care for a child that results in a substantial risk of death, disfigurement or bodily injury or with the failure resulting in an observable and material impairment to the growth, development, or functioning of the child; and/or
The failure to provide a child with food, clothing or shelter necessary to sustain the life or health of the child, excluding failure caused primarily by financial inability unless relief services had been offered and refused.
Houston Child Abuse Crimes
According to TPC § 22.04, an individual can be charged with child abuse, injury to a child or child neglect if they intentionally, knowingly, recklessly or with criminal negligence cause a child:
Serious bodily injury,
Serious mental deficiency, impairment or injury, or
Bodily injury.
An individual can also be charged with child abuse if they fail to act on behalf of or care for a child the alleged offender had a legal or statutory duty to act on behalf of or if they have assumed care for the child, such as parent or an owner of or an employee of a child day care.
Texas law defines as a child as anyone 14 years of age or younger, according to TPC § 22.04(c)(1).
Bodily injury is defined as any physical pain, illness or impairment of any physical condition, according to TPC § 1.07(a)(8) . Serious bodily injury is defined as any bodily injury that causes permanent impairment or loss of any body part or organ, substantial risk of death, or serious permanent disfigurement, according to TPC § 1.07(a)(46).
Houston Child Abuse Punishment
The possible punishments and penalties for child abuse offenses are defined in Chapter 12 of the Texas Penal Code. The degree of conviction and punishment varies depending on the alleged offender’s mental state and the degree of injury caused to the child as a result of the abuse or neglect.
An individual charged with a child abuse offense involving criminal negligence by the alleged offender can be convicted of a state jail felony. A state jail felony is punishable by 180 days to two years in jail and/or a fine up to $10,000.
An individual charged with a child abuse offense involving reckless actions by the alleged offender that resulted in bodily injury can be convicted of state jail felony. A state jail felony is punishable by a fine up to $10,000 and/or a jail sentence ranging from 180 days to two years.
An individual charged with a child abuse offense involving intentional or knowing actions by the alleged offender that resulted in bodily injury can be convicted of a felony of the third degree. A felony of the third degree is punishable by two to ten years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.
An individual charged with a child abuse offense involving reckless actions by the alleged offender that resulted in serious bodily injury or serious mental injury can be convicted of a felony of the second degree. A felony of the second degree is punishable by two to 20 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.
An individual charged with a child abuse offense involving intentional or knowing actions by the alleged offender that resulted in serious mental injury or serious bodily injury can be convicted of a felony of the first degree. A felony of the first degree is punishable by a prison sentence ranging from five to 99 years and/or a fine not more than $10,000.
What are the Duty to Report Child Abuse Laws in Texas?
According to TFC §261.101, anyone who has reason to believe a child’s mental or physical health or welfare has been adversely affected by abuse or neglect is required to make a report with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Additionally, anyone who is considered a child care professional is required to make the report within 48 hours. A professional in Texas is anyone who is licensed or certified by the state or is an employee of a facility licensed or certified by the state and has direct contact with children in the normal course of their job. Child care professionals can include nurses, doctors, mental health practitioners, attorneys, members of the clergy, teachers, reproductive service clinic or facility employees, juvenile probation officers, juvenile detention or correctional officers, and/or day-care employees.
Failure to make a report of child abuse or neglect as provided by Texas law can result in being charged with a misdemeanor or state jail felony offense.
James Sullivan & Associates | Houston Child Neglect Lawyers
James Sullivan graduated from Baylor University in 1990 with a degree in Journalism, the ideal degree for investigating, discovering and telling winning stories in court. In 1993, Sullivan graduated from South Texas College of Law, which is nationally recognized as the top law school for trial advocacy.
James Sullivan later graduated from Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College in Wyoming. Founded in 1994, it is the most selective and prestigious trial advocacy program in America. The methods taught at TLC are not taught anywhere else. The 1150 graduates form an extremely unique community of the most accomplished trial lawyers in the United States. Sullivan has a proven record of defending people from all walks of life, faiths and countries in courts throughout Texas.
Contact James G. Sullivan & Associates for a free consultation at (281) 546-6428 about your allegations of child abuse or child neglect in the areas of Harris County, Montgomery County, Fort Bend County, Brazoria County, and Waller County (Hempstead). James Sullivan is an experienced Houston family crimes lawyer who will work hard to get you the best result for your particular situation.
Certainly each case is different. Similar results may not be obtained in your case and past performance is no guarantee of future results. A no bill by the grand jury is a dismissal. The grand jury is voting that there is no probable cause (probability) that the accused committed the crime. The cases no billed by a grand jury below were based on a thorough defense packet prepared by the attorneys at James G. Sullivan & Associates.
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Client Reviews on Injury to a Child Cases
Mr. Sullivan got my Injury to a Child charged dismissed and saved my career
Being falsely accused of a crime is a very dramatic experience. In my case, a family member accused me of assaulting a minor and they pushed very hard to get me charged. When they finally got a DA to take felony charges 10 months after the alleged crime, I did some research and hired James Sullivan. He met with me a day after calling him and began to meticulously outline my defense. He interviewed the witnesses, then put together a very strong defense packet for the Grand Jury which included detailed statements from witnesses that stated there was no contact with the minor and witnesses that heard my family member coaching the child on how to lie to the police and DA. The Grand Jury no-billed my case and the case was removed from my record. Going through a criminal case is a very scary and stressful experience. I can say that any fears or questions I had were just a phone call or an email away from being answered by Mr. Sullivan. He was always available to discuss my case and explain the criminal process, and let me know step by step how we were going to win my case. I would highly recommend James Sullivan with any of your criminal defense needs.
–Avvo review posted by a client on April 9, 2015
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Excellent attorney with proven results
Being arrested for the first time, I wasn’t sure who to turn to for help. Long story short, I did something that I shouldn’t have, spanked me daughter with an umbrella. I was under a lot of stress and it didn’t help that her behavior was drastically changing for the worst. The next day I was questioned by the police. I waived my rights and told the police of the incident. Consequently, I was charged with a felony, Injury to a child.
I was new to Houston and I had no family or close friends. Not knowing any better I first hired the worst attorney in Houston. It was the worst experience EVER. The first meeting went well. He said that he had worked with the prosecutor, he knew the judge personally and that he has dealt with similar cases recently. I paid him the full retainer fee. I felt that I was in good hands until we spoke the next day. His tone, demeanor and attitude had changed. I believe his intentions were to have me indicted then charge me thousands of dollars to attempt to get me probation. He didn’t even consider presenting the case to the Grand Jury. I felt frustrated, hopeless and stuck.
After speaking to my husband we decided to hire another lawyer. After doing hours of research we agreed to speak to attorney Jim Sullivan, and boy we are glad we did! He was very knowledgeable, straightforward and caring. He offers free consultations and his charges are reasonable. Our first 2 conversations lasted about 30-45 mins. I explained everything that happened in detail, he helped me understand the law and spoke about his previous cases. I felt a sense of relief when we ended our conversations. Unlike the previous attorney we had hired, Mr. Sullivan knew what he was doing. Mr. Sullivan told us that we would need to prepare a Grand Jury packet, he explained the process and told me exactly what he needed. Two weeks after submitting the packet to the Grand Jury, my case was dismissed!!!!!!!
There are MANY things that I liked about Mr. Sullivan; he’s the person who picks up when you call (not a receptionist), he is flexible, he accepts payments plans, he is honest, he responds to calls/text within hours, he listens without interrupting, he works outside regular business hours (weekends, after 6pm), he treats you like you are his priority and he is very caring. The only thing that I didn’t like about this experience was the fact that I didn’t find him sooner. I would definitely recommend Mr. Sullivan to family and friends.
–Avvo review posted by a client on December 19, 2016
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The Best Lawyer In Town
I was recently charged with a felony that I didn’t know existed, Injury to a child under the age of 15. I spanked my 14 yr. old daughter with a belt after she stole one of my vehicles for the second time. I am a registered nurse and single mother of two girls. For me this was an all or nothing situation. Being a nurse I cannot have a conviction on my record and I couldn’t take a plea bargain to a lesser charge. My livelihood and family’s future were on the line. I needed a lawyer I could trust and who is known for getting the job done.
I contacted James Sullivan who took the time on the first initial call to talk to me over 45min explaining the charge and answering every question I had. He accepted my case and in less than 2 days I had to appear in court. Mr. Sullivan guided me every step of the way, through a very emotional time in my life.
My case was won when it was dismissed by the grand jury with a “No Bill”. I read another review referring to James Sullivan as the King of No Bills and I can testify he is. Mr. Sullivan is passionate about what he does and understands the importance of his clients’ needs. My gratitude cannot be expressed enough through this review. If you are looking to hire a lawyer, stop and look no further you have found the best man for the job. Thank you, Jim Sullivan for the flawless victory over my case and saving my future.–Avvo review posted by a client on July 1, 2018
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The light at the end of the tunnel
I was charged with bodily injury to a child after my 6 year old had a meltdown in public and I took him to the car so he could settle down. In the parking lot I had to grab him in order to safeguard him from darting in front of a vehicle and putting himself in danger. Some lady not minding her own business saw him crying and throwing a fit and called the police for a well child check up. I was charged with a felony [injury to a child] and arrested. After praying to find the right lawyer I spoke to Jim and he was the only person to give me the time of day. He asked me what happened, I told him, and he said you didn’t do anything wrong and I will get this dismissed. He did exactly what he said and the case was dismissed with no probable cause because I was within my rights to use reasonable force to discipline and safeguard my child. If it wasnt for him I could have faced jail time, lost my job, lost my house, and my wife and kids because CPS got involved. If you have anything similar happen to you do not hesitate to call him right now! In the midst of one of the darkest times in my life, Jim was truly the light at the end of the tunnel.
–Avvo review posted by a client on August 16, 2018
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Jim Sullivan Saved My Life. He is Awesome.
Jim Sullivan saved my life. I had never been in trouble before. I am a single mom with three kids. A neighbor’s boy, an 11 year old bully, beat up my 9 year old son. My 10 year old son then went outside and gave the bully a black eye. The bully ran home and told his momma that I had hit him. His momma came over and attacked me. The next day that woman called the police and I got arrested for a felony, Injury to a Child. I spent 2 weeks in jail for something I didn’t do before my momma got enough money together to pay the bondsman. Before Jim Sullivan defended me, I was afraid. I thought the best I could get was probation. I just don’t trust the law. I’ve seen too many people go to trial, lose and get a lot of prison time. But Jim believed in me. When we first went to court, Jim told me the government was offering me deferred adjudication on the felony, but he said that I shouldn’t take it. Jim told me he would fight my case all the way to trial and that there was no way he was gonna let me plead guilty when I was innocent. Over the next few months, he worked on my case. He came to my neighborhood and spent many hours talking to witnesses. On my first trial setting, Jim told me that the government was now offering me a better deal–deferred adjudication on a misdemeanor assault, but Jim told me that I should not take it because I was not guilty of that either. He was sure he would win my case at trial and I believed him. Over 6 months, we went to court 10 different times. Finally, on my third trial setting, the government dismissed my case! I thank God that Jim was my attorney. He truly cared about me and my family. I cannot thank him enough. Because of him, I still have a clean record and I can still work to support my kids.
–Avvo review posted by Demonisha on June 16, 2012
