Man Charged With Assault for "Disciplining" Stepson With Belt
Although society has largely drifted away from corporal punishment over the last few decades, the practice is still common within many households. According to a recent poll conducted by the University of Michigan hospital, one in five parents reported that they spank their children in certain situations, while other published surveys found that much higher numbers do so in practice. In Michigan, striking your child for disciplinary purposes is not illegal . "Reasonable physical force… to maintain discipline or to promote the welfare of such minor" is written into some state statutes.
Even though this all sounds relatively clear, experienced Michigan criminal defense lawyers can attest that there is plenty of grey area, as police officers must determine relatively quickly what constitutes "reasonable discipline." Within the mitten state, it is still possible for parents or guardians to be arrested for Michigan assault charges after striking their child. A recent example of just such an arrest is the case of a Michigan firefighter accused of felony charges for hitting his stepson during a heated domestic argument.
In late May 2010, police officers responded to a New Haven home when reports were received of loud screaming coming from the house. According to law enforcement officials, Dawud Amin, 35, and his 14 year-old stepson were arguing over a Bluetooth device that the suspect believed the teen had stolen. Allegedly, the altercation became heated and Amin struck the boy in the back and chest with a belt, leaving visible welts. Although he maintained that he was disciplining the boy, and the force was appropriate, police arrested him for assault and Michigan child abuse charges.
Experts say that although corporal punishment such as this is permissible in the state of Michigan, it is challenging to determine when such behavior becomes criminal. "This is not a black-and-white scenario," stated retired police officer Stanley Konesky Jr. It is easy to tell that someone is violating the law if driving 66 mph in a 65 mph zone. However, he asserted that "This has a lot of grey areas… A lot of this stuff is not clear cut. It's something you have to investigate."
Each case must be handled separately to determine whether the circumstances warrant criminal charges. A conviction of child abuse can have life-changing affects on a person. Not only is it possible to lose parental rights, but a person could be fired from their job or put behind bars as a result. If accused of these charges, it is essential to be pro-active in protecting yourself when Children's Protective Services attempts to tear your family apart. It is in your best interest to contact hard-working and knowledgeable Michigan criminal defense attorneys for superior legal advice and legal representation. Do not hesitate to do so, as acting quickly can make sure you stay at home with your family, not behind bars.
Questions and Answers
Article Tags:
child abuse lawyer
,child abuse lawyers
,child abuse attorney
,child protective services defense
,child protective services michigan
,cps lawyer
,cps attorney
Students of all ages come from far and wide to study at one of the University of Michigan's prestigious graduate school programs. While many are fresh out of their undergraduate years, there are also others who have children, ultimately bringing them to campus while completing their studies. Just because a parent is a student or living on a college campus however, does not mean that they are exempt from dealing with Children's Protective Services, should accusations arise.
Any experienced Children's Protective Services defense lawyer in Michigan can tell you that accusations of child abuse are not to be taken lightly. Not only could your parental rights be terminated, but you could also face legal consequences such as fines or jail time. It is important that all guardians know what type of behavior is considered appropriate, so that their family is not subjected to separation.
Will Children's Protective Services defense attorneys in Michigan find themselves dealing with allegations of the crime of animal cruelty? Some released studies maintain that those who abuse or violently treat animals are at high risk for exhibiting the same behavior towards people, namely children.
When a child is born, the first few weeks of life are among the most delicate. Undergoing surgical procedures or suffering from blunt traumas can affect the newborn for the rest of their lives. While some babies are seen in the hospital for treatment of natural defects, Children's Protective Services are likely to become involved should any sign of child abuse be suggested.
Being accused of acting abusive towards a child is a serious problem, that has life-changing consequences. Not only could parental rights be terminated, but also the suspect could face jail time as a result. Those that investigate these crimes, children's protective service agents, are responsible for acting in the best interest of the child, protecting their physical and mental well-being.
One does not need to be a child abuse lawyer in Michigan to know that parenting is a huge responsibility. Until a child reaches the age of 18, the parent or guardian is responsible for the child's physical and mental well-being. Failure to do so can result in serious and life-changing consequences including fines, and jail time. Additionally, if Michigan Children's Protective Services (CPS) becomes involved, it is also possible that the accused parent could lose their parental rights as well.
Our office receives numerous inquiries about withdrawing a plea based on a variety of grounds. The underlying reason is that the potential client believes that the terms of the plea are unfair. Sometimes the potential client believes his or her prior counsel provided ineffective assistance because little or no investigation was performed of various defenses or there was a proper basis for an arrest.
In Colorado, common traffic violations and points assessments can have serious consequences for most drivers.
An experienced DUI Defense lawyer can help you understand what you are up against and the fines you may be required to pay. A Jacksonville DUI lawyer mostly deals with DUI matters and knows the process inside and out - including options that a public defender may not tell you.
Leading criminal defense lawyer explains why you should say no to breathalyzer and field sobriety tests.
San Antonio is one of the most visited cities in the state of Texas (The United States) and the drunk driving and DWI law is quietly difficult, so if during the facing charge of serious case you should consult to an experienced lawyer.
Being accused of abusing a child is no laughing matter, as experienced Michigan criminal defense lawyers can confirm. Not only could the suspect lose his or her parental rights, but it is also possible to experience severe legal consequences including jail time. In order to formulate a sound defense, it is necessary to retain an experienced legal team as soon as possible.
In recent weeks, the public and Michigan criminal defense lawyers were alerted to the tragic death of four year-old Dominick Calhoun. This case is particularly devastating, as not only was a life tragically lost, but police maintain that it at the hand of his mother and her boyfriend. As a result, law enforcement officials have charged both suspects with many violations including Michigan child abuse, a life-changing accusation that can result in the loss of parental rights as well as jail time.
Parenting is certainly a difficult task; one that does not come with a road map highlighting the best routes for guardians to take. Nonetheless, parents are legally held to a certain standard which requires them to provide for their children's mental and physical well-being–a responsibility which all children's protective services defense lawyers in Michigan encourage guardians to take seriously.
Being accused of acting abusive towards a child is a serious problem, that has life-changing consequences. Not only could parental rights be terminated, but also the suspect could face jail time as a result. Those that investigate these crimes, children's protective service agents, are responsible for acting in the best interest of the child, protecting their physical and mental well-being.
Discuss this Article
