In October of 2024, two Altoona residents were charged with abusing a 15-month-old toddler. The Clearfield Regional Police Department received a complaint of alleged abuse, and they maintain that an investigation revealed injuries consistent with abuse. Officers allege that the toddler was forced into a “timeout” chair, which caused the injuries, and that subsequent injuries occurred when the toddler fell out of the chair. The officers also allege that the parents were evasive and untruthful. Both of these people are charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, endangering the welfare of a child, and unsworn falsification to police.

If you have been accused of child abuse, it is important to find experienced counsel immediately. The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team has years of experience defending people against allegations of child abuse. Call us at 888-535-3686 or submit your details online, and we will promptly contact you.

Childline Investigations

Most accusations of child abuse begin with a Childline complaint or referral. This statewide program accepts allegations of child abuse 24/7, both electronically and verbally. It is so easy to complain that many reports are questionable or groundless.

A Childline investigation is not, in and of itself, a criminal matter. However, a Childline investigation can lead to criminal charges because many agencies, including law enforcement, may be involved in a Childline investigation. Even if a Childline complaint does not lead to criminal charges, it can devastate the life of the accused. Abuse allegations can lead to termination from your job, losing custody of your child, and a loss of the ability to volunteer at your child's school. Never take Childline allegations lightly. Further, if you are charged criminally, you should find experienced counsel immediately.

Child Abuse Charges

The most serious charge in the timeout chair case is aggravated assault of a minor. The definition of aggravated assault varies in PA depending on the age of the alleged victim:

• If the alleged victim is under 6 years of age, the defendant must be over 18 and intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly cause bodily injury to the child.
• If the alleged victim is over 6 years of age but younger than 13, the defendant must be over the age of 18 and intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly cause serious bodily injury to the child.

Aggravated assault of a minor is a second-degree felony but can rise to a first-degree felony if the defendant shows extreme indifference to the value of human life or if they use a deadly weapon.

The couple in the timeout chair case also faces charges of endangering the welfare of a child, which can be a misdemeanor or up to a second-degree felony. To constitute a second-degree felony, the alleged actions must involve a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury and have been part of a pattern of abuse.

If you are charged with child abuse, you must have an experienced criminal attorney. Call the LLF Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or submit your details online, and we will promptly contact you.