Joseph Peardon and Brandy Gordon of Floyd County are facing allegations of child abuse that ranged from March of 2016 to October of this year. Their child was admitted to a children's hospital in Atlanta with serious medical issues.
According to reports, they allegedly deprived the child of food and medical care for over two years. As a Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney, I will outline the offense of child cruelty in today's post.
Cruelty to Children in Georgia
Child cruelty, legally known as cruelty to children in Georgia, is defined by the Georgia Code in O.C.G.A. §16-5-70. The offense is broken down into three separate degrees - each with different consequences if convicted.
- First Degree Cruelty to Children: “When a parent, guardian, or other person supervising a child under the age of 18 willfully deprives the child of necessary sustenance to the extent that the child's well being is jeopardized. In addition, cruelty to children in the first degree includes when a person maliciously causes a child under the age of 18 cruel or excessive physical or mental pain.” If convicted of first degree child cruelty, the penalty can include a prison term between five and twenty years.
- Second Degree Cruelty to Children: “When a person with criminal negligence causes a child less than 18 years old cruel or excessive physical or mental pain.” If convicted of second degree child cruelty, the penalty can include a prison term between one and ten years.
- Third Degree Cruelty to Children: “When either a person, who is the primary aggressor, intentionally allows a child under the age of 18 to witness the commission of a forcible felony, battery, or family violence battery; or a person, who is the primary aggressor, having knowledge that a child under the age of 18 is present and sees or hears the act, commits a forcible felony, battery, or family violence battery.” If convicted of third degree child cruelty, the penalty can include up to 12 months in jail and a fine of $1,000.
Practice Note
Child cruelty charges are very serious and should not be taken lightly. If you or a loved one has been arrested, contact a Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer today. Representation is of utmost importance - especially representation that is experienced with Georgia Criminal Defense.
Your defense starts with us. Most people will lose the opportunity to defend their case because they wait to call an attorney. Don't miss your chance, contact us now.
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