Criminal Defense Services in Rhode Island

Child Abuse

Child abuse is one of the most daunting and troubling crimes a defendant can face. If you or a loved one is facing child abuse charges, it is essential you speak with an experienced Rhode Island child abuse attorney to navigate through the criminal process and escape the serious consequences of these charges.

Child abuse allegations are taken very seriously by society, police, judges, and prosecutors. Being accused of child abuse can have immediate and devastating effects on your personal life, family relationships, child custody, and employment. Contact Rhode Island criminal defense attorney Stefanie A. Murphy to learn how she can put her years of experience to work for you.

The Best Child Abuse Lawyers In Rhode Island

Child abuse and child neglect are very serious and have serious ramifications if not handled by a skilled Rhode Island child abuse attorney. It is important to hire a skilled child abuse lawyer in Rhode Island as soon as possible. Contact attorney Stefanie Murphy to discuss your case, your defenses, your rights and all your options. Please call (401) 316-9423 or contact us online.

Child Abuse Explained

§ 11-9-5 Cruelty to or neglect of a child

(a) Every person having the custody or control of any child under the age of eighteen (18) years who shall abandon that child, or who shall treat the child with gross or habitual cruelty, or who shall wrongfully cause or permit that child to be an habitual sufferer for want of food, clothing, proper care, or oversight, or who shall use or permit the use of that child for any wanton, cruel, or improper purpose, or who shall compel, cause, or permit that child to do any wanton or wrongful act, or who shall cause or permit the home of that child to be the resort of lewd, drunken, wanton, or dissolute persons, or who by reason of neglect, cruelty, drunkenness, or depravity, shall render the home of that child a place in which it is unfit for that child to live, or who shall neglect or refuse to pay the reasonable charges for the support of that child, whenever the child shall be placed by him or her in the custody of, or be assigned by any court to, any individual, association, or corporation, shall be guilty of a felony and shall for every such offense be imprisoned for not less than one year nor more than three (3) years, or be fined not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both, and the child may be proceeded against as a neglected child under the provisions of chapter 1 of title 14.
(b) In addition to any penalty provided in this section, any person convicted or placed on probation for this offense may be required to receive psychosociological counseling in child growth, care and development as a part of that sentence or probation. For purposes of this section, and in accordance with § 40-11-15, a parent or guardian practicing his or her religious beliefs which differ from general community standards who does not provide specified medical treatment for a child shall not, for that reason alone, be considered an abusive or negligent parent or guardian; provided, the provisions of this section shall not:
- (1) exempt a parent or guardian from having committed the offense of cruelty or neglect if the child is harmed under the provisions of (a) above
- (2) exempt the department from the provisions of § 40-11-5
- (3) or prohibit the department from filing a petition, pursuant to the provisions of § 40-11-15, for medical services for a child, where his or her health requires it.

§ 11-9-5.3 Child abuse – Brendan’s Law

(a) This section shall be known and may be referred to as “Brendan’s Law”.
(b) Whenever a person having care of a child, as defined by § 40-11-2(2), whether assumed voluntarily or because of a legal obligation, including any instance where a child has been placed by his or her parents, caretaker, or licensed or governmental child placement agency for care or treatment, knowingly or intentionally:
- (1) Inflicts upon a child serious bodily injury, shall be guilty of first-degree child abuse.
- (2) Inflicts upon a child any other physical injury, shall be guilty of second-degree child abuse.
(c) For the purposes of this section, “serious bodily injury” means physical injury that:
- (1) Creates a substantial risk of death;
- (2) Causes protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily parts, member or organ, including any fractures of any bones;
- (3) Causes serious disfigurement; or
- (4) Evidence subdural hematoma, intracranial hemorrhage and/or retinal hemorrhages as signs of “shaken baby syndrome” and/or “abusive head trauma.”
(d) For the purpose of this section, “other physical injury” is defined as any injury, other than a serious bodily injury, which arises other than from the imposition of nonexcessive corporal punishment.
(e) Any person who commits first-degree child abuse shall be imprisoned for not more than twenty (20) years, nor less than ten (10) years and fined not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000). Any person who is convicted of second-degree child abuse shall be imprisoned for not more than ten (10) years, nor less than five (5) years and fined not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000).
(f) Any person who commits first degree child abuse on a child age five (5) or under shall not on the first ten (10) years of his or her sentence be afforded the benefit of suspension or deferment of sentence nor of probation for penalties provided in this section; and provided further, that the court shall order the defendant to serve a minimum of eight and one-half (8 1/2) years or more of the sentence before he or she becomes eligible for parole.
(g) Any person who has been previously convicted of first or second degree child abuse under this section and thereafter commits first degree child abuse shall be imprisoned for not more than forty (40) years, nor less than twenty (20) years and fined not more than twenty thousand ($20,000) dollars and shall be subject to subsection
(h) of this section if applicable. Any person who has been previously convicted of first or second-degree child abuse under this section and thereafter commits second-degree child abuse shall be imprisoned for not more than twenty (20) years, nor less than ten (10) years and fined not more than ten thousand ($10,000) dollars.

Child abuse laws are governed by the Rhode Island General Law. Title 40 of the Rhode Island General Law governs abused and neglected children. Title 11 discusses Shaken Baby Syndrome, Title 23 is the Safe Haven Act.

See Rhode Island General Laws- Title 11, Chapter 9 for other child protection laws.

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At Marin, Barrett, and Murphy, we believe every client deserves a powerful defense and an unwavering advocate. Our team is built on decades of courtroom experience, led by skilled trial attorneys who don’t back down. Whether you’re facing a DUI, drug charge, or serious criminal allegation, we bring a relentless, strategic approach to every case—fighting for your rights, your future, and the outcome you deserve. When the stakes are high, we’re in your corner

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Amanda Swain Smith B.

20:22 27 Feb 25

Both Stephanie and Jason were efficient and reassuring throughout the whole process. Big thumbs up. Gratitude 🙏🏼

Jennifer S

17:12 13 Feb 25

So glad I was referred to Stefanie! She is an excellent attorney who took my case seriously and ensured I received the best advice and outcome. She was fair, reasonable, and supportive. Highly recommend!

Cameron M.

20:03 04 Feb 25

Nothing but good things to say about my experience, would recommend to anyone

Kimberly K.

21:16 19 Nov 24

Stephanie Murphy is an outstanding attorney who provides exceptional service. She is very easy to talk to, takes the time to answer questions and is extremely professional. She was highly recommended by others who had very positive experiences working with her. Stefanie is respected for her hard work and commitment to her clients. She returns phone calls the same day and makes you feel very comfortable. If you are looking for an excellent attorney, I highly recommend you contact Stefanie.

Uconn C.

15:19 22 Aug 24

I was nervous going through the legal process but Stefanie made it so easy and painless. She was very available and always responded right away with very open communication and talked me through every step of the process. She got me a better outcome than even I could have imagined on my case. You should stop reading other reviews and hire Stefanie right now because she is THE BEST!

Carolyn C.

01:55 08 Aug 24

Stefanie Murphy is the best criminal lawyer in RI, in my opinion. I was facing serious charges. She, along with her team, had everything in criminal court dismissed. I highly recommend her, she will fight for you. Stefanie is very friendly, personable, and understanding. We started my case at the beginning of the year and I'm happy to say I can finally breathe knowing I can see the light at the end of this really dark tunnel. Thank you for everything Stefanie, I appreciate you and all of your hard work! Shout out to Angelica as well!! Thank you for giving me my life back!!

shawn H.

21:09 06 May 24

I am honored to have worked with Stefanie. She put my mind at ease with the charges I was facing.She also put a game plan together and got me an amazing offer from the courts. I’m glad to have her in my corner fighting for me all the way. I would recommend her to anyone looking for a defense attorney. Top notch all the way! Thanks Stefanie!

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