Minneapolis Child Abuse & Neglect Defense Attorneys

Charged with Child Abuse or Neglect? 

Allegations involving harm to children are among the most serious and emotionally charged in Minnesota’s criminal justice system. These cases often move quickly, with law enforcement, child protection services, and prosecutors acting aggressively, even before all facts are fully known.

Being accused of hurting or neglecting a child also doesn’t just threaten your liberty — it can result in the loss of custody or visitation, damage to your reputation and career, and long-term consequences that follow you for life.

If you’re under investigation or have been charged with any crime involving alleged abuse or neglect of a child, our award-winning team at Tamburino Law Group can help.

Charges involving child abuse or neglect can put serious penalties and prison time on the table. Call (612) 444-5020 or contact us online as soon as possible. We’re available 24/7 and offer FREE, confidential consultations.

How Minnesota Handles Child Abuse and Neglect Allegations

In Minnesota, there is no single charge labeled “child abuse.” Instead, allegations involving harm or risk to a child are prosecuted under a range of criminal statutes, each targeting different types of conduct. Whether the accusation involves a single act of discipline, an ongoing pattern of neglect, or something more severe, prosecutors have broad discretion in how they charge the case.

These charges often begin with a report made to Child Protective Services (CPS) or law enforcement. Once that report is filed, whether it comes from a teacher, neighbor, family member, or medical professional, investigators may act quickly, sometimes without interviewing the accused or verifying the full context.

From there, the state may file one or more charges, depending on the severity of the alleged harm, the child’s age, any injuries involved, and the accused person’s relationship to the child. Prosecutors are often under intense pressure to take swift and aggressive action in these cases — even when the facts are murky or disputed.

Criminal Charges That May Be Filed in Minnesota Child Abuse or Neglect Cases

Some of the most common criminal charges that may arise from child abuse or neglect allegations include:

• Malicious Punishment of a Child (Minn. Stat. § 609.377): For alleged use of unreasonable or excessive discipline by a parent, guardian, or caregiver. Charges vary based on the child’s injuries. Read our blog about this!
• Child Endangerment (Minn. Stat. § 609.378): Involves knowingly placing a child in a situation that could result in harm, such as leaving them in unsafe environments, exposing them to drugs, or failing to seek medical care.
• Assault of a Minor (Minn. Stat. §§ 609.221–223): Applies when the alleged conduct includes physical harm, ranging from slapping or grabbing to more serious injuries.
• Criminal Neglect (Minn. Stat. § 609.378): Focuses on a failure to provide necessary food, shelter, supervision, or care, leading to a risk of harm or injury.
• Domestic Assault (Minn. Stat. § 609.2242): Often charged when the alleged incident involves a family or household member, including children, even if no visible injury occurred.

Potential Penalties for Child Abuse & Neglect Charges

Conviction on any child abuse or neglect-related charge can result in:

• Lengthy prison or jail sentences
• Permanent criminal record
• Loss of custody or parental rights
• Mandatory registration as a predatory offender in certain cases
• Participation in child protection cases, parenting classes, or supervised visitation
• Social services intervention and monitoring
• Damage to professional licensure and employment opportunities

In many cases, the accusation alone, even without a conviction, can lead to emergency protective orders or loss of contact with your children.

Minnesota law also allows for enhanced sentencing if certain aggravating factors are present, including:

• The alleged victim is under the age of 4
• The defendant has prior convictions for similar offenses
• The child suffered substantial or great bodily harm
• The offense was part of a pattern of abuse over time
• The defendant is in a position of authority or trust, such as a parent, teacher, or caregiver

These enhancements can increase the level of the charge from a gross misdemeanor to a felony, or from a standard felony to a more serious felony with a longer prison term. They may also impact bail decisions, custody proceedings, and eligibility for pretrial diversion or probation.

Defending Against Child Abuse and Neglect Allegations

At Tamburino Law Group, we understand that allegations involving children are deeply emotional and highly complex. But we also know that not every accusation reflects the truth, and not every investigation is handled fairly. These cases often arise amid custody battles, tense family dynamics, or anonymous reports, and the stakes are immediate and overwhelming.

What begins as a misinterpreted bruise, a teacher’s concern, or a dispute between co-parents can quickly escalate into a criminal charge with life-altering consequences. That’s why every detail matters and why our team is relentless in uncovering the full story.

We approach these cases with a comprehensive, evidence-driven strategy that may include:

• Challenging the credibility of witnesses, including reporting parties or biased family members
• Scrutinizing medical records and injury reports for signs of misdiagnosis, accidental injury, or unfounded conclusions
• Demonstrating lawful parental discipline, which is still permitted under Minnesota law when reasonable
• Exposing false or retaliatory allegations, particularly in the context of divorce or custody proceedings
• Reviewing CPS procedures, including potential due process violations, interview techniques, and how the investigation was handled

We also collaborate with respected professionals — including pediatric medical experts, licensed psychologists, and child development specialists — to provide context, explain complex injuries, or challenge flawed interpretations of behavior or statements.

At every stage, we focus not just on the legal defense, but on protecting your reputation, your rights as a parent, and your future.

Could a Child Abuse or Neglect Case Be Prosecuted Federally?

While most child abuse and neglect charges are prosecuted under Minnesota law, there are rare instances where federal jurisdiction may apply. These include:

• The alleged conduct occurred on federal property (e.g., military bases, tribal land, national parks);
• The case involves interstate elements, such as digital evidence related to child pornography or exploitation;
• The child was in federal custody, or the accused was a federal employee or contractor.

In such cases, individuals may face charges under federal statutes,  some of which carry mandatory minimum prison sentences and more severe penalties than state-level offenses.

At Tamburino Law Group, our defense team is prepared to handle complex legal challenges across both state and federal court systems. If there’s any indication your case could attract federal attention, such as involvement by federal investigators or suspicion of digital evidence, you need a legal team with the knowledge and experience to act fast.

These Cases Move Quickly. So Should Your Defense.

Once a report of abuse or neglect is made — often by teachers, medical professionals, neighbors, or family members — law enforcement and child protective services (CPS) act fast. Investigations may begin before the accused is even aware a report was filed. And statements made early, even informally, can be used as evidence later.

If you are contacted by police or social services:

• Do NOT try to explain yourself.
• Do NOT agree to interviews without legal counsel.
• Call Tamburino Law Group immediately to protect your rights.

Why Choose Tamburino Law Group?

Child abuse allegations are uniquely complex and highly sensitive. Prosecutors often err on the side of filing charges, even when the evidence is weak or disputed. That’s why you need a defense team with extensive experience, legal skill, and courtroom credibility.

At Tamburino Law Group, we offer:

• Board-Certified Criminal Law Expertise
• Over 75 Years of Combined Criminal Defense Experience
• Former Prosecutors Who Know How the State Builds Its Case
• Proven Record in High-Stakes, High-Profile Cases
• 24/7 Availability to Protect Clients in Crisis

We’ve defended clients across Minnesota in the most serious criminal matters and we bring that same level of preparation, passion, and professionalism to every case.

Accused of Child Abuse or Neglect in Minneapolis? Call Now.

These allegations can shatter lives — but you don’t have to face them alone. At Tamburino Law Group, we stand between our clients and the power of the state. If you’ve been accused, arrested, or suspect you’re under investigation, contact us for a confidential case review.

Call (612) 444-5020 or contact us online to speak with a Minneapolis child abuse defense attorney.