what kind of lawyer do i need when i suspect abuse

by Kendall Purdy 5 min read

If you are accused of child abuse, a child abuse lawyer can also determine the best strategy to defend against the charges or clear your name. A child abuse lawyer understands issues related to child abuse and neglect, and child physical or emotional abuse claims can arise in a variety of contexts and motives.

Full Answer

What does an elderly abuse lawyer do?

Apr 03, 2015 · An elderly abuse lawyer works with the victims of abuse and their families to work hard to stop the abuse from occurring and to seek compensation from those who have abused them. They must have skills as a litigator and negotiator, as elder abuse cases must be filed in civil court and settlements must be discussed with defending parties.

What does a child abuse lawyer do?

If you are accused of child abuse, a child abuse lawyer can also determine the best strategy to defend against the charges or clear your name. Why hire a Child abuse attorney A child abuse lawyer understands issues related to child abuse and neglect, and child physical or emotional abuse claims can arise in a variety of contexts and motives.

What kind of lawyer do I need for personal injury cases?

Mar 05, 2021 · Whom do I call if I suspect abuse? If someone is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1 or the local police. If the danger is not immediate, but you suspect that abuse has occurred or is occurring, please tell someone. To report a concern, contact the Adult Protective Services (APS) agency in the state where the older adult resides.

Do I need a lawyer for a criminal case?

Oct 30, 2020 · A criminal lawyer is also sometimes called a defense attorney. These lawyers can be hired by the defendant or appointed by the court to represent the defendant. In serious cases, where punishments are more severe, a criminal lawyer is highly recommended, even necessary.

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What a Child Abuse lawyer can do for you

If a child has been the victim of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, a child abuse lawyer can help you figure out the right child custody, visitation, or guardianship to protect the child. If you are accused of child abuse, a child abuse lawyer can also determine the best strategy to defend against the charges or clear your name.

Why hire a Child abuse attorney

A child abuse lawyer understands issues related to child abuse and neglect, and child physical or emotional abuse claims can arise in a variety of contexts and motives. Sometimes the young victim tells a relative, who then files a lawsuit; at other times, a government agency such as Child Protective Services may press charges.

Did you know?

About 30% of abused and neglected children will later abuse their own children, therefore continuing the cycle of abuse.

How to report elder abuse?

If someone is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1 or the local police. If the danger is not immediate, but you suspect that abuse has occurred or is occurring, please tell someone. To report a concern, contact the Adult Protective Services (APS) agency in the state where the older adult resides. Find the APS reporting number for each state by visiting: 1 The State Resources section of the National Center on Elder Abuse website 2 The Eldercare Locator website or calling 800-677-1116.

What to do if someone is in danger?

To report a concern, contact the Adult Protective Services (APS) agency in the state where the older adult resides . Find the APS reporting number for each state by visiting:

What time does the Eldercare Locator open?

Specially trained operators will refer you to a local agency that can help. The Eldercare Locator is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

How to find elder care?

Eldercare Locator. Visit the Eldercare Locator. (link is external) online or call 800-677-1116 to find resources for older adults in any U.S. community. Just one call or visit provides an instant connection to resources that enable older persons to live independently in their communities.

Who investigates elder abuse?

Local police, sheriffs, and prosecuting attorneys may investigate and prosecute abuse, particularly in cases involving sexual abuse or assault. In states whose statutes make elder abuse a crime, there may be a requirement to report suspected abuse to a law enforcement agency. Long Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman.

What is the APS?

Although APS is generally the "first responder" to reports of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation, many other agencies and nonprofit organizations work to protect vulnerable elders. Adult Protective Services. APS is the principal public agency responsible both for investigating reported cases of elder and vulnerable adult abuse ...

Why is it important to have a family lawyer?

It is important in divorce cases for an individual to have a family lawyer representing them to ensure their rights are protected.

What is a lawyer?

A lawyer is an individual who is licensed to practice law in a state. Lawyers are also known as attorneys or an attorney at law. Some lawyers are licensed in multiple states. Some lawyers are admitted to practice at the Federal level as well.

Can a lawyer work in a law firm?

Lawyers can work in a law firm with other lawyers, with a partner, or practice by themselves in a solo practice. In most cases, a lawyer will be chosen based on the type of case, or practice area, and the location of the case. Lawyers can provide a wide range of services to their clients. Some lawyers handle many different types of cases.

What is criminal law?

Criminal law is the body of laws that pertain to crimes. Crimes are actions or behaviors prohibited by state or federal laws. Crimes are punishable by fines, probation, and/or imprisonment. Usually, crimes are categorized as misdemeanors or felonies.

Can a guilty plea affect immigration status?

Some guilty pleas, even to misdemeanor charges, can have long-term consequences. A guilty plea can also affect immigration status or lead to deportation of a non-citizen. It is important to remember that, in most cases, when an individual cannot afford a criminal lawyer, the court will appoint one to represent them.

What is civil matter?

Civil matters include contract disputes between businesses, real estate, and personal transactions. Unlike criminal cases, there is no determination of guilt or innocence. Usually, the parties may only recover monetary damages, including punitive damages in some cases.

Do I need a lawyer for a prenup?

In most cases, marriages do not require a lawyer but a prenuptial agreement should be reviewed by a lawyer. In some states, it is required, unless expressly waived, that an individual is represented before signing a prenuptial agreement. Many family law matters begin after a couple has been married.

What does an employment lawyer do?

Employment attorneys advise their clients on employment rights and mediate between employers and employees; they also represent employees in civil lawsuits against employers. Employment lawyers provide legal advice to employees on a number of issues including sexual harassment, discrimination based on medical conditions, sexual orientation, age or religious affiliation and privacy rights. Employment lawyers may draft and review employment contracts such as non-compete and confidentiality agreements.

How do I become an employment attorney?

Aspiring employment attorneys need a bachelor's degree in a major of their choice and a law degree. Law students attend law school for three years. While in law school, students must take required courses throughout their first year. In their second and third years, students may begin specializing by taking courses in subjects that interest them. Law students hoping to practice employment law may take courses in employment law, as well as internships at employment law firms. After graduating, law students must take and pass their particular state's bar exam.

What is a power of attorney?

Power of attorney is a legal contract that gives a person, the Agent, the power to make legal decisions on the behalf of somebody else, the Principal. For example, a busy adult may give their financial planner a power of attorney to make financial decisions for them, including buying and selling stocks. Frequently, a power of attorney is given ...

Can a power of attorney be invalidated?

Yes, and it ’s more common than you might think. Based on claims of abuse, we help clients contest power of attorney every day. The most common reasons families seek to invalidate powers of attorney are for abuse by the Agent of the Principal in taking the Principal’s properties for themselves. In many cases, these abuse issues can be resolved ...

Can a teacher be sued for bullying?

While it may be possible to sue a teacher for abuse of power, it depends on the specific laws in the state and the policies of the school.

What are some examples of abuse by teachers?

Common examples of student abuse by a teacher include: Emotional, physical, or sexual harassment of the child; Excessive or unauthorized use of corporal punishment, or physical force;

What is the definition of corporal punishment?

Excessive or unauthorized use of corporal punishment, or physical force; Discrimination based on protected categories, including: race; gender; or. disability; Restrictions on the constitutional rights of the student, such as those involving freedom of expression and free speech;

What is a bell in a classroom?

A bell is simply a timekeeping tool. The teacher has the duty to keep their students safe. Examples of how bells may function include: A first bell indicating there are a few minutes before the next class begins; A second bell indicating time is running out; and. A final bell indicating the next class is starting.

What does "late" mean in school?

Having time to each lunch or time to purchase and eat a school lunch; and. To leave to see the nurse or for medical care. In most cases, a school will respect a teacher’s decision to hold students late after a class.

Why do we need malpractice lawyers?

Since these are professions that ascribe to a set of standards , they have greater professional responsibilities that may be challenged in the courtroom or in litigation.

What is IP law?

1. Intellectual Property (IP) Lawyers. Any original creative, scientific, or technical invention which may benefit the public has to be protected ...

Is a civil litigation lawyer a general lawyer?

Technically, all areas of law already mentioned on this list may also be considered civil litigation cases. This is why a civil litigation lawyer is regarded as a general lawyer. However, their primary work comprises handling cases involving a breach of contract. While this may seem simple compared to other areas of law, contract disputes can be a tedious process. So, it will pay to hire an excellent civil litigation attorney who can easily spot the finer details of the case.

What is an intellectual property lawyer?

Any original creative, scientific, or technical invention which may benefit the public has to be protected from copycats and duplicates. If you've created an art design, a unique product, a novel, a song or a computer program, you can consult with an intellectual property lawyer for securing copyright, patents, trademarks, and licensing agreements.

What is a family lawyer?

Family Lawyers. These are lawyers who handle all kinds of domestic cases, such as divorce, legal separation, child custody, adoption, paternity, alimony, prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, and emancipation. But family attorneys may also handle reproductive rights cases, and their work may intersect with other areas of the law.

What is a personal injury lawyer?

This lawyer is an expert in tort law, which deals with civil legal liabilities and damages.

What is a business lawyer?

Also known as corporate lawyers, business lawyers are legal eagles who cover a more full range of expertise in building, managing, maintaining, transferring and dissolving a business. Lawyers in this area of practice deal with the formation of the company, employment contracts, tax compliance, acquisitions, and mergers.

Who can testify in a criminal case?

The Defendant / Suspect may have made statements to the victim, witnesses, friends, family members and others. These admissions may be used as evidence to prove the allegations of assault, abuse, or molestation. The victim or a third person can testify as to the statement made by the Defendant. In addition, a tape recording or videotape ...

Can text messages be used as evidence?

Even if the text messages / e-mails do not serve as direct admissions in a certain case, text messages / e-mails can be used as circumstantial evidence to show contact with the child and evidence ...

What are the consequences of a child being abused?

When a child is abused, molested, or assaulted, there can be legal consequences in the form of a criminal proceeding, administrative proceeding, and / or a civil proceeding. In each legal arena or court, proof or evidence will need to be presented so substantiate the allegations.

Can you record someone without their knowledge?

This assumes that no laws were broken in the State where the recording / videotape was obtained. Some States have wiretap laws that prohibit the recording / videotape of a person in a private location without the person’s knowledge or consent.

What is DNA evidence?

DNA Evidence. DNA of the suspect / Defendant can be collected from the victim. This can include bodily fluids, blood, or skin. These items may also be detected and collected on clothing, bedding, furniture, and other items. Fingerprints.

What is false accusation?

False accusations can be intentionally false accusations by an adult or a child or allegations based in error – for instance, because a child misunderstands something an adult does or because an adult misunderstands a child's description of an event. False accusations also can arise because another person misinterprets an adult's relationship ...

How to avoid sexual harassment?

If any person (someone you know personally or a law enforcement officer, investigator with a public agency, or your employer) questions you about or accuses you of inappropriate sexual behavior with a child, try not to answer any questions, make any statements, or engage in any conversation or discussion with ...

Can you be accused of child molestation?

If you have children, or live, work or have contact with children, it is possible (though statically quite unlikely) that, at some point, you might be falsely accused of child molestation or other sexually inappropriate behavior with a child. False accusations can be intentionally false accusations by an adult or a child or allegations based in error – for instance, because a child misunderstands something an adult does or because an adult misunderstands a child's description of an event. False accusations also can arise because another person misinterprets an adult's relationship with a child or a teenager, or lies about the relationship.

What happens if you don't touch a child?

If you try to say that you did not touch a child inappropriately, the other person may misinterpret your statement. You also may make a simple statement that seems innocuous, like admitting you talked to a child at a certain time or were alone with a child, only to have the statement used against you at a later time.

How to convince someone they are wrong?

initiate conversation with the victim or the victim's family, especially to convince them they are wrong. give any evidence to law enforcement or a child welfare or protection agency without consulting with a lawyer first – even if you believe the evidence will show you are being wrongly accused.

What to do if you are accused of inappropriate contact with a child?

The moment that you learn of accusations that you have had inappropriate contact with a child – even if you hear only rumors – you should contact an attorney for information and advice on what to do. Remember, communication between an attorney and a client is protected by attorney-client privilege, which means that any private conversations with an attorney are confidential and cannot be shared with anyone else or used against you in a criminal proceeding. Besides advising you, an attorney can immediately begin communicating on your behalf with anyone trying to question or contact you about the accusation.

What does a criminal defense attorney do?

An attorney can: advise you of all your legal rights as a criminal defendant.

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