Serious charges have been brought against a man after state police report that he assaulted his three-year-old son at the Butler Farm Show on August 9, 2024, around 6 p.m.
Gary Fend, 45, of Butler, is alleged to have slapped his son on two occasions and then pushed the child back into the stroller with such force that it collapsed. While the child was released from the hospital and placed in the care of his biological mother, Fend now faces charges of simple assault, harassment, and endangering the welfare of children.
Over the years, the LLF Law Firm has taken on hundreds of criminal defense cases, ensuring that each client is treated with the utmost respect — and tirelessly advocating for their rights. If you are facing charges related to assault in Pennsylvania, please don't hesitate to contact the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team at 888-535-3686, or fill out an online form.
Pennsylvania Law on Parental Corporal Punishment
At times, effective parenting demands a degree of tough love. Nonetheless, insights from some of the foremost law enforcement authorities in the state indicate that the boundary between discipline and abuse is not always clearly defined, especially concerning smacking and spanking. So, what happens if a parent is accused of assaulting their own children?
Corporal punishment is defined as the legal doctrine that allows parents to provide a defense for the act of spanking their children for disciplinary reasons. The important section of the Pennsylvania Code authorizes parents to exercise reasonable supervision and control in the upbringing of their children.
According to PA Cons Stat § 509 (2023), parents or guardians who are tasked with the overall care and supervision of their child can use physical force to ensure the child's safety and promote their welfare, which includes preventing or addressing misconduct.
It's essential to recognize that the justification for corporal punishment is only applicable when the force used is not intended to inflict or create a significant risk of death, serious bodily injury, disfigurement, extreme pain, mental anguish, or severe degradation.
What to Do if You're Facing Child Abuse Charges in PA
Children are viewed as particularly vulnerable victims, prompting Pennsylvania law to impose strict penalties on those convicted of crimes against them. However, there are occasions when individuals may be wrongfully accused of child abuse due to misleading or exaggerated claims or due to misinterpretations of their disciplinary actions. In the event you have been arrested or are currently under investigation for suspected child abuse, it's crucial to consult with a highly experienced criminal defense attorney without delay.
How the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team Can Help
The LLF Law Firm recognizes the significant stigma associated with such allegations and is dedicated to restoring the reputation of every client they represent — while striving for the best possible results.
If you are facing criminal charges in Pennsylvania, our Criminal Defense Team is committed to defending your rights. Whether you have been wrongfully accused or have made a misstep, we will partner with you during the Pennsylvania criminal process to ensure a positive outcome.
To schedule a confidential consultation today, contact our Criminal Defense Team at 888-535-3686, or fill out a contact form.
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