Palm Beach County Child Neglect Criminal Defense Attorney
By Christian Van Riper, Criminal Defense Attorney, Former Prosecutor and Former DCF Investigator
Being charged with child neglect in Palm Beach County FL, is among the most serious and emotionally charged accusations a parent or guardian can face. These allegations can lead not only to criminal penalties but also to life-altering consequences involving the loss of custody or parental rights. At Van Riper and Nies Attorneys, we understand how quickly these cases unfold and how critical it is to have a Palm Beach County Child Neglect Criminal Defense Attorney who acts swiftly and decisively.
I’m Christian Van Riper, a Palm Beach County criminal defense attorney, former Florida prosecutor, and former investigator with the Department of Children and Families (DCF). I use this unique dual perspective to defend clients accused of child neglect throughout Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. My background allows me to anticipate the strategies of both the State Attorney’s Office and DCF investigators, ensuring that my clients receive a comprehensive and informed defense.
Understanding Child Neglect Charges in Palm Beach County, Florida
Under Florida Statute §827.03, child neglect occurs when a caregiver fails to provide a child with necessary care, supervision, and services essential to the child’s well-being, including food, shelter, clothing, medical care, and protection from abuse.
Neglect can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances and whether the alleged neglect resulted in harm to the child.
Common situations leading to child neglect charges include:
- Leaving a young child unattended for an extended period
- Failing to protect from abuse/exploitation by another
- Leaving a child in a hazardous condition or with an impaired caregiver
- Failing to provide basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing
- Failing to obtain necessary medical treatment
- Unsafe or unsanitary living conditions
- Allegations arising from misunderstandings or false reports to DCF
Many cases originate from DCF investigations, sometimes based on incomplete or mistaken information. That’s why immediate legal representation by a Palm Beach County Child Neglect Criminal Defense Attorney is crucial.
A Defense Built on Experience and Action
Because of my experience as both a prosecutor and DCF investigator, I know how these cases are built and how to defend clients charged with Child Neglect. My defense strategy often includes:
- Thoroughly reviewing the DCF report and challenging the investigations and procedures
- Exposing inconsistencies in witness or investigator statements
- Presenting medical or expert testimony to show that proper care was provided
- Demonstrating that any alleged neglect was unintentional or exaggerated
Every client I represent has direct access to my personal cell phone, day or night. I move quickly in defending my clients’ rights.
Dependency Court Representation
In addition to criminal defense, I also handle dependency court cases in Palm Beach County. Dependency proceedings are civil actions brought by DCF when the state alleges that a child has been abused, abandoned, or neglected and needs state supervision or removal from the home. These cases can result in temporary or long-term loss of parental rights and often run parallel to criminal child neglect charges.
Having one Palm Beach defense attorney who understands both systems, the dependency court and criminal court in Palm Beach County, is essential to ensuring consistent, coordinated representation. I guide parents through every step of this process.
Contact Van Riper and Nies Attorneys if Charged with Child Neglect in Palm Beach County
If you or a loved one has been accused of child neglect or is involved in a dependency case in Palm Beach County, act quickly. Early intervention, most especially in child neglect felony charges, can make a difference.
Van Riper and Nies Attorneys, P.A.
📍 West Palm Beach Office
801 Northpoint Parkway, Suite 374
West Palm Beach, FL 33407
📞 561-948-5588
📍 Stuart Office
900 SE Ocean Blvd., Suite 140-E
Stuart, FL 34994
📞 772-283-8712
Free consultations available day or night.
I am always reachable directly because every client deserves immediate access to their defense attorney when it matters most.