This is a serious crime in South Carolina and sometimes the prosecutor can additionally charge you with murder if you are charged with this crime. It is an extremely vague criminal charge and can be used when there are causes of simple neglect. The punishment for this charge is potentially life in prison, SC Code 16-3-85. Both Derek Enderlin and Susannah Ross have defended people charged with Homicide by Child Abuse and they understand how serious this charge is. They also understand the enormous stress involved with not only being charged with a crime, but dealing with the death of your child and the allegation that you are somehow responsible. If you or a loved one is facing this charge, call them today for a free consultation. You need an attorney who is experienced and aggressive in protecting your rights. Law enforcement or DSS may tell you they are trying to help you but you need an attorney to truly protect your rights. This is a serious criminal charge that often has very valid defenses. The Department of Social Services and the police are often too quick to believe that abuse has happened in these situations. Their aggressive tactics have been noted by other organizations.

Law enforcement or DSS can charge you with this crime even if they believe you merely failed to watch over your child correctly or even if another caregiver failed to protect your child. You need someone protecting your rights so that you may not suffer extreme consequences for a simple but tragic mistake.