Fort Worth, TX Child Abuse/Neglect Defense Lawyer

Experienced Defense Attorney Handling Child Abuse and Endangerment Charges in Fort Worth, Texas

The state of Texas does not take allegations of child abuse lightly. In these cases, children are treated as especially vulnerable, so the penalties are strict to match. Allegations of abuse or endangerment can spiral out of control, so if you have been charged with a crime against a child, be sure to get in contact with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, our Fort Worth, Texas child abuse defense attorney can stand up for your rights in the face of highly disputed, stressful accusations. We have received over 400 5-star reviews from clients we have helped, so you can trust that we will handle your case with care.

Penalties for Injuring a Child in Texas

Texas prosecutes many "child abuse" allegations under the offense called injury to a child. This statute applies to a child age 14 or younger, and it can be charged based on an act or, in certain situations, an omission when the accused had a legal duty or had assumed care, custody, or control.

The punishments for this offense vary based on the alleged harm done and the mental state of the offender. If prosecutors allege serious bodily injury or serious mental deficiency, impairment, or injury, the case can be charged as a first-degree felony when the conduct was allegedly intentional or knowing, or as a second-degree felony when the conduct was allegedly reckless. This is a major distinction, as it could mean the difference between up to 20 years in prison and a life sentence.

If prosecutors allege bodily injury (as opposed to serious bodily injury), the charge is typically a third-degree felony when the conduct was allegedly intentional or knowing. If the state alleges criminal negligence, injury to a child can be charged as a state jail felony, which can still carry confinement and a permanent criminal record.

What Is Child Endangerment?

Child endangerment is often charged under the Texas offense of abandoning or endangering a child. In general terms, the state may allege that someone placed a child in imminent danger of death, bodily injury, or physical or mental impairment through something they did or failed to do. Unlike some injury cases, an endangerment allegation may focus on the risk created, even if the child did not suffer a documented injury.

Many endangerment cases are prosecuted as state jail felonies. Abandonment allegations can be filed at different felony levels depending on what the state claims about intent, whether there was an intent to return, and the circumstances surrounding the alleged danger. These cases also sometimes overlap with other charges, depending on the facts, such as drug-related offenses, weapons allegations, or domestic violence accusations.

Evidence in a Child Abuse or Endangerment Case

Child abuse and endangerment cases are often won or lost on details, including timelines, medical findings, and what can actually be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Evidence may include 911 calls, body camera footage, texts and social media messages, photographs, CPS reports, school or daycare incident notes, and interviews with the child and other witnesses.

Medical records can carry a lot of weight, but they can also be misread or taken out of context. The state may argue that an injury pattern points to intentional harm or neglect, while the defense may examine alternative explanations, pre-existing conditions, prior injuries, or delays in reporting that distort the timeline. In endangerment cases, the evidence may center on supervision and environment, such as where the child was, who was present, what hazards existed, and whether the alleged danger was truly imminent.

Contact a Fort Worth Child Abuse/Endangerment Defense Attorney Today

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we can review the allegations against you and develop a strategy to protect your rights. Call 817-732-6392 or contact our Fort Worth, TX child abuse and endangerment defense attorney to schedule a free consultation.