A Recent Texas Child Abuse Conviction Results in 50 Years in Prison

 Posted on November 04, 2020 in Criminal Defense

Child abuse is a tragedy that happens all too frequently across the world. In Texas, an average of more than four children die from abuse or neglect every week and 184 kids are confirmed victims on a daily basis. As a parent, it may seem unimaginable how an adult can hurt a child or how the statistics can be this high in a single state alone. The cruelty behind child abuse is undeniable, which can unfortunately lead to quick judgments from the court and unfounded convictions. False accusations of child abuse or neglect are not uncommon when it comes to divorce or adjustments in child custody orders. Criminal actions like those committed by Justin Fountain, a father from East Texas, should be charged in a harsh manner, as shown below. However, those facing false accusations should seek out immediate legal help from a reputable criminal defense attorney to avoid facing severe consequences for a crime they did not commit.

Texas Man Found Guilty of Injuring Daughter

In early October of this year, a man from Cherokee County was convicted of child abuse. Fountain is the father of an infant daughter whom he caused serious bodily injury to in 2019. He admitted to shaking and throwing her down after he became upset with her. Her father also blew marijuana smoke into her face to “calm her down.” According to the child’s pediatrician and adoptive parents, she still suffers ill effects from her injuries that were inflicted last year. A year later, Fountain has been sentenced to 50 years in prison after being convicted of child abuse in Texas.

What Is Considered Child Abuse?

In the state of Texas, child abuse is not solely reserved for causing physical injury to a minor. Below are acts or omissions that are considered the crime of child abuse:

1. Causing or permitting the child to be in a situation where he or she experiences an emotional or mental injury that leads to impairment in the child’s growth, development, or functioning

2. Physically injuring and substantially harming the child or presenting the threat of harm from physical injury

3. Failure to make an effort to protect the child from another person physically injuring him or her

4. Sexual conduct that harms the child’s mental, physical, and emotional health or failure to make an effort to protect the child from such conduct

5. Compelling or encouraging the child to engage in sexual conduct

6. Using a controlled substance and it resulting in mental, physical, or emotional injury to the child

7. Forcing or coercing a child into marriage

Depending on the details of the charges, crimes against children can also be handled in federal court. Penalties for a child abuse conviction in Texas are severe, but federal cases are often more serious and so are the corresponding consequences. 

Contact a Plano, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer

Child abuse accusations are never taken lightly in a court of law, and the quality of your legal representation can make or break your case. No one should be subjected to a conviction for a crime they did not commit. The Crowder Law Firm, P.C. is here to help defend you against such charges. Attorney Darlina Crowder is admitted to practice in both state and federal courts and has over two decades of experience defending Texans from criminal charges. If you are facing child abuse or neglect charges, contact our diligent Collin County child abuse defense attorney at 214-544-0061 to schedule your free initial consultation.

Sources:

https://www.texprotects.org/CANfacts/

https://www.kiiitv.com/article/news/local/east-texas-man-found-guilty-of-injury-to-child-after-admitting-to-shaking-throwing-infant-daughter/501-7d8f7f0f-323b-4866-98af-48d2546563bd 

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.261.htm