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WHAT IS CHILD ABUSE, NEGLECT & ENDANGERMENT IN NEVADA?
Nevada's child abuse statute prohibits willfully causing or permitting a child to suffer unjustifiable physical pain, mental suffering, or endangerment. It covers physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and placing a child in situations that endanger their health or safety.
WHAT THE PROSECUTION MUST PROVE
To convict you of Child Abuse, Neglect & Endangerment in Nevada, the prosecution must prove each of the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
The defendant willfully caused or permitted a child to suffer unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering
OR the defendant willfully caused or permitted a child to be placed in a situation that endangered their health or safety
The victim was under 18 years of age
If the prosecution cannot prove any single element beyond a reasonable doubt, you cannot be convicted.
PENALTIES FOR CHILD ABUSE, NEGLECT & ENDANGERMENT IN NEVADA
Child Abuse (Causing Substantial Bodily Harm)
Category A felony. Life in prison if victim is under 14; 2 to 20 years if victim is 14-17.
Child Abuse (No Substantial Bodily Harm)
Category B felony. 2 to 6 years in prison.
Child Neglect/Endangerment
Category B felony. 1 to 6 years in prison.
THOMAS'S DEFENSE TIPS
Insights from Thomas Boley — Las Vegas criminal defense attorney with 18+ years defending child abuse, neglect & endangerment charges
Child abuse cases are emotionally charged and prosecutors pursue them aggressively. The key is often distinguishing between lawful discipline and abuse — Nevada law permits reasonable corporal punishment.
Medical evidence is central to these cases. Bruising, fractures, and other injuries can have innocent explanations — accidental falls, medical conditions, or injuries from other sources. Expert medical testimony is often essential.
Child Protective Services (CPS) involvement often precedes criminal charges. Anything you say to CPS workers can be used against you in criminal proceedings — consult an attorney before speaking with CPS.
False allegations of child abuse are not uncommon in custody disputes. Documenting the timing of allegations relative to custody proceedings can be powerful evidence of motive.
The above represents general observations from years of criminal defense practice in Nevada. Every case is different — contact Thomas for advice specific to your situation.
COMMON DEFENSES TO CHILD ABUSE, NEGLECT & ENDANGERMENT
Every case is unique, but these are the defenses most commonly raised in child abuse, neglect & endangerment cases in Nevada:
Reasonable corporal punishment — lawful discipline
Accidental injury — no willful intent
False accusation — motivated by custody dispute
Medical condition caused the apparent injuries
Insufficient evidence