Jacksonville Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog
Recently a Duval County Teacher was arrested on charges of Child Abuse. The alleged incident took place on April 2, 2012. According to the report, Kristopher Hunter, the teacher, kicked the student in the back and also slammed the boy against the wall. The boy had to seek medical treatment for the injuries he sustained during the incident. The student’s name has not been released due to his age. However, it was revealed that the incident occurred between a teacher and a student of Arlington Middle School.
The act of child abuse is defined under Florida Statute ยง 827.03. Under that Statute child abuse is defined as “intentional infliction of physical or mental injury upon a child; an intentional act that could reasonably be expected to result in physical or mental injury to a child.” As a Jacksonville Criminal Defense Lawyer I have received numerous calls regarding child abuse. What some may not know is child abuse is considered a 3rd degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or $5,000 in fines.
Applying the law to the facts above, it could be established Mr. Hunter was guilty of Child abuse. Mr. Hunter committed an intentional act, kicking and slamming the child, which could reasonably be expected to result in injury, the child was taken to the hospital for medical treatment. Therefore, if the State can prove their case “beyond a reasonable doubt” he could be convicted.
However, a Jacksonville Criminal Defendant can fight these charges and try to mitigate the offense. In such a case the earlier the Defendant gets a Jacksonville Criminal Defense Lawyer involved the more time the attorney will have to convince the State of not proceeding forward or lowering the charges. Therefore, if you have been charged with a Jacksonville Criminal Offense, contact a Jacksonville Criminal Defense Lawyer today. It could prove to make all the difference in your case.