How Is Aggravated Child Abuse Different?
Florida Statute 827.03(1)(a) states that Aggravated Child Abuse occurs when a person:
“Commits aggravated battery on a child, willfully tortures, maliciously punishes, or unlawfully cages a child, or knowingly or willfully abuses a child and in so doing cause great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disability to a child.”
What Penalty Am I Facing for Child Abuse or Aggravated Child Abuse in Okaloosa County?
Child abuse is a third-degree felony with a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $5000 fine. It is a level 6 offense under the Sentencing Guidelines so it scores 36 points. Even though that is less than the 44 point cutoff for mandatory prison time, the Okaloosa County prosecutors routinely seek jail or prison time in child abuse cases.
Aggravated Child Abuse is a first-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Under the Sentencing Guidelines, it is a level 9 offense that scores at least 92 points depending on the severity of the child’s injuries. A level 9 offense requires a mandatory prison sentence of at least 48 months if you are convicted as charged.
