Wisconsin Child Abuse and Neglect Charges
Defending individuals accused of child abuse and neglect offenses throughout Wisconsin. Schedule a confidential consultation with a criminal defense attorney.
Child abuse and neglect allegations in Wisconsin are among the most serious criminal charges a person can face. These cases often arise from highly emotional situations and are frequently driven by reports from third parties, medical professionals, schools, or child protective services. Even before formal charges are filed, an investigation alone can have immediate and lasting consequences.
Wisconsin law recognizes several different forms of child abuse and neglect, ranging from allegations of physical harm to claims involving mental or emotional injury or a failure to provide necessary care. The specific charge depends on the alleged conduct, the nature of the harm, and the circumstances surrounding the child’s care or supervision. As a result, these cases can vary widely in both severity and legal complexity.
Because child abuse and neglect cases move quickly and carry significant legal and personal consequences, early involvement by an experienced criminal defense attorney is critical. If you are under investigation or have been charged, speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible can help protect your rights and shape how the case proceeds.
The attorneys at Chirafisi Anderson, S.C. have extensive experience defending individuals accused of child abuse and neglect offenses in Wisconsin courts. These cases often involve parallel criminal investigations, child protective services inquiries, and significant evidentiary and credibility disputes. Our practice is built on careful case analysis, early intervention, and a thorough understanding of how prosecutors and investigators approach these highly sensitive allegations.
Types of Child Abuse and Neglect Charges We Defend
Wisconsin law recognizes multiple forms of child abuse and neglect, with charges varying based on the alleged conduct, the nature of the harm, and the circumstances surrounding the child’s care or supervision. These cases are often charged differently depending on whether the allegations involve physical injury, mental or emotional harm, or a failure to provide necessary care.
Primary Child Abuse and Neglect Charges
We defend individuals charged with the following child abuse and neglect offenses:
Physical abuse and neglect cases may also involve enhanced penalties, alternative theories of liability, or companion charges based on the severity of the alleged harm, the number of incidents, or a person’s role in the offense, including allegations involving reckless conduct, repeated acts, or party-to-a-crime liability.
How These Charges Are Commonly Prosecuted in Wisconsin
Child abuse and neglect cases in Wisconsin often begin as investigations rather than traditional arrests. Reports commonly originate from schools, medical providers, or child protective services, and criminal charges may be filed alongside—or after—separate child welfare proceedings. As a result, individuals can face serious legal exposure before they fully understand the scope of the allegations.
Charging decisions in these cases are typically made early and may change as additional information is gathered. Prosecutors evaluate not only the alleged conduct, but also credibility issues, expert opinions, and the surrounding family or caregiving context. Because these cases are treated as high priority and carry the potential for enhanced charges, early legal representation can significantly influence how the case develops.
Why Hiring a Child Abuse and Neglect Defense Lawyer Matters
Facing allegations of child abuse or neglect is uniquely serious. These cases carry not only the risk of criminal penalties, but also the potential for lasting personal, professional, and family consequences. Decisions made in the earliest stages of an investigation or prosecution can shape the entire trajectory of the case, making experienced legal representation essential from the outset.
Child abuse and neglect allegations are often built on subjective interpretations, credibility assessments, and expert opinions rather than clear physical evidence. The attorneys at Chirafisi Anderson, S.C. understand how these cases are charged, investigated, and litigated in Wisconsin courts, and how quickly misunderstandings or incomplete information can escalate into felony exposure. Our role is to intervene early, protect our clients’ rights, and ensure that allegations are tested through a careful and thorough defense process.
Experience That Matters
We have extensive experience defending individuals accused of child abuse and neglect across a wide range of factual scenarios, from contested physical injury allegations to claims involving supervision, caregiving decisions, or emotional harm. These cases often require navigating parallel criminal and child welfare proceedings while preparing for complex evidentiary disputes in court.
Proven Results in Serious Cases
Our practice is built on defending high-stakes criminal cases where the consequences extend far beyond the courtroom. We approach child abuse and neglect cases with the understanding that outcomes are shaped not only by trial performance, but by early investigation, strategic motion practice, and disciplined negotiation when appropriate.
Strategic, Early Intervention
Child abuse and neglect cases move quickly and leave little room for error. We focus on early case assessment, identifying weaknesses in the State’s evidence, and challenging assumptions made during the investigative phase. By engaging early and strategically, we work to control the narrative of the case rather than reacting to it.
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GoogleKari S.The Chirafisi team is AMAZING! I got more answers from Corey in a half hour than I did from my previous lawyer in eleven months. Corey is remarkably knowledgeable, honest, reliable, fair in price, and result orientated. Within 40 days after our initial meeting, my case was dismissed. I’m so grateful!
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GoogleLoandis P.R.Anderson is the best lawyer. He helped me 100% with my case, and I got the best result. He was always up to date on my case and had excellent communication with me. I’m very grateful to have met you, Anderson. I appreciate everything you did for me. God bless you.
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Talk to a Wisconsin Child Abuse and Neglect Defense Attorney
Allegations of child abuse or neglect can escalate quickly and carry consequences that extend far beyond the criminal case itself. If you are under investigation or have been charged, it is critical to speak with an experienced defense attorney as early as possible to protect your rights and understand your options.
The attorneys at Chirafisi Anderson, S.C. provide confidential consultations and careful case evaluations for individuals facing child abuse and neglect charges in Wisconsin. We are prepared to step in early, assess the State’s allegations, and guide you through the legal process with clarity and discretion.