When your future, reputation, and parental rights are on the line, Harvey Criminal Defense Lawyers is here to stand between you and the full weight of the criminal justice system.
Tennessee law criminalizes a wide range of conduct under Tennessee Code § 39-15-401, which defines several types of child abuse, neglect, and endangerment. These laws are intentionally broad to protect vulnerable children, but that breadth can also result in false accusations, misinterpretations of discipline, or overzealous investigations.
Under § 39-15-401, child abuse includes:
The law provides enhanced penalties if:
Even a well-meaning parent or guardian can find themselves facing a Class D or B felony, especially if the alleged victim is very young or if drugs are involved.
At Harvey Criminal Defense Lawyers, we handle a wide range of child abuse cases, including but not limited to:
This includes hitting, spanking, or any physical discipline that prosecutors interpret as excessive or injurious. While Tennessee allows reasonable corporal punishment, prosecutors may disagree with your parenting choices.
Neglect often involves failing to provide basic needs like food, shelter, or medical care. But it can also include allegations that are subjective or based on misunderstandings—such as leaving a child unattended or living in substandard conditions.
This charge applies when someone knowingly puts a child—especially one aged 8 or under—in a situation that could cause serious harm. For example, having drugs or unsecured firearms in the home could lead to endangerment charges even if the child wasn’t harmed.
If a child is exposed to methamphetamine or other Schedule I–V drugs, even through secondhand smoke or household contamination, prosecutors may bring serious felony charges—even if there was no intent to harm the child.
Parents or custodians can be charged for not preventing abuse by others, even if they didn’t directly harm the child. For example, letting a known abuser live in the home or failing to act on signs of abuse can lead to criminal liability.
The severity of the penalty depends on several factors, including the child’s age, the type of abuse, and whether injury occurred.
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Simple child abuse or neglect | Class A misdemeanor (up to 11 months, 29 days in jail) |
| Child is 8 years or younger | Class D felony (2–12 years in prison) |
| Neglect or abuse affecting health/welfare | Class E felony (1–6 years) |
| Child endangerment involving imminent danger | Class A misdemeanor (or Class B felony if the child is 8 or under) |
| Exposure to controlled substances | Up to Class B felony (8–30 years in prison) |
Felony charges can also carry fines, loss of parental rights, sex offender registration (in certain cases), and irreparable reputational damage.
A child abuse allegation doesn’t mean you’re guilty. At Harvey Criminal Defense Lawyers, we craft tailored defenses to help you fight back effectively:
Many cases rely on statements from young children, angry co-parents, or third parties with limited understanding. We question inconsistencies, motivations, and reliability.
Tennessee law permits reasonable corporal punishment. We defend your rights as a parent and show that your actions fall within accepted norms.
We often work with medical and forensic experts to show that an injury was accidental, misdiagnosed, or not connected to the defendant’s actions.
Illegal searches or seizures—especially in drug exposure cases—may violate your constitutional rights. If evidence was improperly obtained, we fight to have it suppressed.
Prosecutors must prove intent or “knowing” conduct. If your actions were negligent but not criminal, or if someone else was responsible, we make that clear.
When you’re facing child abuse charges in Memphis, your choice of defense attorney could make the difference between prison and freedom. Harvey Criminal Defense Lawyers brings:
We understand how high the stakes are. Our job isn’t just to defend you in court—it’s to protect your entire future.
Even before conviction, child abuse charges can result in:
If you’re a parent, teacher, coach, healthcare worker, or caregiver, these allegations can jeopardize your career and family relationships.
That’s why we act fast—to challenge accusations, defend your rights, and restore your reputation before permanent damage is done.
Don’t wait for DCS, prosecutors, or a co-parent to build a case against you unchallenged. The sooner we get involved, the more options you’ll have to protect yourself.
Contact Harvey Criminal Defense Lawyers today to schedule a private consultation. We’re ready to listen, act, and fight for you.
Tennessee law allows reasonable corporal punishment, but prosecutors may charge you if the discipline is deemed excessive or results in injury. Having an experienced attorney is critical in defending your parental rights.
The Department of Children’s Services (DCS) may investigate and initiate separate proceedings to restrict custody or visitation. These investigations can impact your criminal case, so it’s essential to have a defense lawyer coordinate your response.
Yes. We frequently see false or exaggerated claims made during heated custody disputes. These accusations require a meticulous and strategic defense, especially when emotions and parental rights are involved.
No. You have a constitutional right to remain silent. We strongly advise consulting an attorney before making any statements that could be used against you.
Yes. Tennessee law allows prosecution if your conduct created a risk of serious harm, even if no injury occurred. That’s why it’s critical to have legal counsel who can argue against those interpretations.
The prosecutors are already building their case against you. Every day you wait is another day they get stronger.
But you don’t have to face this alone.
