Defending Yourself Against False Child Abuse Allegations

Being falsely accused of something you did not do can be extremely stressful. Your situation may feel hopeless at times when others are working against you, especially if the person working against you is your spouse. Unfortunately, false child abuse allegations are not entirely uncommon with child custody disputes and other divorce conflicts. False abuse allegations are often used by one parent to force the type of child custody desired by that parent. Be sure to talk with an Oklahoma Divorce Lawyer if you have questions about how to defend yourself against such allegations. 

False Reporting Laws in Oklahoma

False child abuse reports can have devastating effects on the parent who is falsely accused. This parent can be socially alienated by loved ones, treated unfairly, and have their reputation ruined if the false allegations spread through others. No parent should have to deal with the negative consequences of a false allegation, especially if that parent is being used by the other parent for child custody orders.

In Oklahoma, state laws protect victims of false child abuse reports. If your spouse falsely accuses you of child abuse or neglect and does this knowingly, then your spouse could face legal consequences for filing a false report. These legal consequences can involve fines up to $5,000 and mandatory payment for legal fees caused by the false charges. 

When you have been falsely accused, a police report can be filed against your spouse to the police. Once this happens, a criminal investigation will take place and if found guilty by the court, your spouse could face misdemeanor charges. You may be required to answer questions from the police or Child Protective Services (CPS) regarding the false accusations. There is a particular manner in which you should respond in order to defend yourself properly. 

How to Respond and Defend Against False Allegations

After a child abuse report is filed by your spouse during a child custody battle, CPS will likely request an interview with you to obtain more information regarding the allegations of abuse. While you have the right to refuse, this may escalate matters with CPS and an officer may accompany them the next time they come to your home.

Sometimes the best thing to do in this situation is to fully cooperate with CPS and the police. Not cooperating with CPS may lead to additional and unnecessary investigations that can cost more of your time and leave you dealing with heightened anxiety and stress. Try to keep calm during the CPS investigation and answer all their questions to the best of your ability. You do not need to handle this alone. One of our experienced attorneys at Putnam Law Offices can assist you through the process. Their expertise will take some of the pressure off as they can help you gather evidence and prepare for your meetings with CPS. 

After reviewing all of the evidence and testimony, the court will make a determination whether or not the report was falsely made and if charges will be brought against either party involved in the case. 

Family Law Attorney in Oklahoma

If you are innocent, but still concerned that the false charges could be accepted by the court as true, then consider hiring an Oklahoma Family Law Lawyer to assist you with your defense. You can call the Putnam Law Office at (405)-849-9149 for a consultation today. Mr. Putnam is an Oklahoma City attorney who is dedicated and attentive to his clients.