Have you been accused of child neglect in Birmingham, Alabama? Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C. can help when you contact us at 205-930-9800. We offer a free consultation with a Birmingham child neglect lawyer who will take the time to understand your situation and begin building a strong defense.
A child neglect charge can turn your life upside down, threatening your family relationships, reputation, and freedom. Having an experienced attorney by your side early in the process can make all the difference. Don’t wait—get the support and guidance you need today.
Why Choose Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C. To Help Me if I’ve Been Accused of Child Neglect in Birmingham?
If you’ve been accused of child neglect, you need a legal team with proven experience and a reputation for excellence. At Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C., our attorneys bring decades of skill and dedication to every case.
Here’s why clients in Birmingham, AL, choose us:
- Our legal team has over 100 years of combined experience handling complex and high-stakes criminal cases.
- We take a team-based approach to every case, meaning you benefit from the full collective insight and strategy of our entire firm.
- Each attorney has been recognized by Super Lawyers for excellence in criminal and white-collar defense—some for more than 12 consecutive years.
- Many of our attorneys hold perfect 10.0 “Superb” Avvo Ratings, demonstrating a consistent record of professionalism, ethics, and client satisfaction.
- Members of our firm have also earned invitation-only recognition with the National Trial Lawyers Top 100, a distinction reserved for the most accomplished trial attorneys in the nation.
If you need help, call today to schedule your consultation with a Birmingham criminal defense attorney.
Overview of Child Neglect in Alabama
Under Alabama law, child neglect generally falls under the broader category of child abuse and endangerment. While there is no single statute titled “child neglect,” these cases are typically prosecuted under Ala. Code § 26-15-3, which makes it a crime for a “responsible person” to willfully abuse, cruelly treat, or otherwise mistreat a child under 18 years of age.
“Neglect” is defined as the “negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child, including the failure to provide adequate food, medical treatment, supervision, clothing, or shelter” in Alabama.
A “responsible person” includes a child’s natural parent, stepparent, adoptive parent, legal guardian, custodian, or any other person who has the permanent or temporary care or custody, or responsibility for the supervision of a child.
What Are the Penalties for Child Neglect in Birmingham, Alabama?
A charge under Ala. Code § 26-15-3 is typically a Class C felony. You could face:
- Between one and ten years of imprisonment: The court may impose a prison sentence depending on the severity of the neglect, the harm caused, and your prior criminal history. Even a first-time offender could face significant time behind bars.
- Fines of up to $15,000: In addition to prison time, you may be ordered to pay steep financial penalties. These fines can add financial stress to an already difficult legal situation.
A conviction for child neglect carries the potential for years behind bars and thousands of dollars in fines—not to mention the long-term impact on other aspects of your life.
What Collateral Consequences Can I Face for a Child Neglect Charge?
You could also face collateral consequences such as:
- Loss of parental rights: A child neglect conviction can trigger involvement from the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR), which may lead to the termination of your parental rights in severe cases.
- Difficulty securing employment: A felony conviction will appear on background checks, limiting opportunities—especially in education, healthcare, government, or childcare settings.
- Immigration consequences: If you are not a U.S. citizen, a child neglect conviction could lead to deportation, denial of re-entry, or ineligibility for permanent residency.
- Housing limitations: Convicted felons often face barriers when applying for public housing or private rentals.
- Loss of professional licenses: If you hold a license in teaching, nursing, or any regulated profession, a conviction may result in suspension or permanent revocation.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Accused of Child Neglect?
Several defenses may apply in a child neglect case, depending on the facts. Common defenses include:
- Lack of intent: The law requires willful or knowing neglect—not accidents or misunderstandings.
- False accusations: Claims may stem from custody disputes or personal conflicts and lack supporting evidence.
- Insufficient proof: The prosecution must meet a high burden; without credible evidence, charges may be dropped.
- Lawful discipline: Reasonable parental discipline is not criminal neglect under Alabama law.
- Someone else was responsible: You may not have had custody or control at the time of the alleged neglect.
A defense attorney can identify which strategy best applies and challenge the case against you.
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help if You’ve Been Accused of Child Neglect
An experienced defense attorney is essential if you’re facing child neglect charges. They can:
- Investigate the facts and gather evidence
- Communicate with law enforcement and DHR
- Develop and present a strong legal defense
- Negotiate plea deals when appropriate
- Represent you at hearings or at trial
With so much at stake, legal guidance can make all the difference in protecting your rights, freedom, and future.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Child Neglect Defense Lawyer
Child neglect charges in Birmingham, Alabama, can lead to prison time, hefty fines, and life-changing consequences. At Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C., our experienced Birmingham criminal defense lawyers understand what’s at stake and will work to build a strong defense on your behalf.
Contact our team today for a free consultation with a Birmingham child neglect lawyer.