Emotional Abuse – Child Abuse & Neglect Topics

Emotional Abuse Charges in Michigan: What You Should Know

Emotional abuse, sometimes called psychological maltreatment, is a pattern of behavior that harms a child’s emotional, cognitive, or psychological development. Even though it leaves no visible scars, emotional abuse can have lifelong effects on a child and serious legal consequences for anyone accused.

At The Kronzek Firm, our attorneys have years of experience representing clients across Michigan, including Lansing, Ingham County, Eaton County, and beyond, who are facing false or exaggerated accusations of emotional abuse.

What Counts as Emotional Abuse in Michigan?

Emotional abuse can take many forms, including:

  • Verbal attacks, threats, or name-calling
  • Rejecting or putting down the child
  • Intentionally frightening the child
  • Isolating the child from friends or family
  • Ignoring a child’s emotional needs for long periods
  • Using shame or manipulation to control the child

Often, there is no physical contact involved, which makes emotional abuse hard to spot—and even harder to defend against.

Is Emotional Abuse a Crime Under Michigan Law?

Michigan law does not use the phrase “emotional abuse” in its penal code, but the concept is still part of our child abuse statutes. For example:

  • First-degree child abuse includes “knowingly or intentionally causing serious mental harm to a child.”
  • The law defines “serious mental harm” as a mental injury that significantly affects judgment, behavior, or the ability to cope with everyday life.
  • Third-degree child abuse covers any act that creates an unreasonable risk of harm, even if there is no physical injury.

So, in Michigan, emotional abuse can be prosecuted under these statutes, especially when a prosecutor connects a caregiver’s actions to psychological harm.

How Do Courts Prove Emotional Abuse?

Because emotional abuse does not leave physical marks, cases often rely on:

  • Testimony from school counselors or therapists
  • Behavioral assessments of the child
  • Expert witnesses in child psychology
  • Art or play therapy observations

Prosecutors often depend on mental health professionals to show that a child’s emotional harm came from the accused’s behavior. These experts may point to signs of trauma in the child, even if there is no physical injury.

Emotional Abuse and CPS Investigations

Even if you do not face criminal charges, just being accused of emotional abuse can trigger a CPS investigation. CPS may:

  • Add your name to Michigan’s Central Registry (the child abuse list)
  • Remove your children or ask the court to intervene
  • Require parenting classes, counseling, or supervised visits
  • File to terminate your parental rights

Unlike criminal cases, CPS investigations are decided on a “preponderance of the evidence,” which is a much lower standard. The state does not need to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

If you are being investigated by CPS anywhere in Michigan, take it seriously and act quickly. These cases can move fast, and your parental rights may be at stake.

What Happens if You Are Convicted of Child Abuse?

A child abuse conviction, even for emotional harm, can have a huge impact on your life, including:

  • Losing custody or visitation rights
  • Being disqualified from certain jobs or professional licenses
  • Permanent placement on state abuse registry
  • Social stigma and damage to your reputation
  • Criminal penalties, including jail or prison time

Even if you know you are innocent, failing to respond quickly and assertively can have devastating results.

We Defend Against Emotional Abuse Allegations

At The Kronzek Firm, we have decades of experience defending Michigan parents, caregivers, and guardians against child abuse charges and CPS investigations. We have handled these sensitive and complicated cases in Ingham, Clinton, Livingston, Eaton, Jackson, and Kent counties, just to name a few. We understand how prosecutors put these cases together—and how to fight back.

Call Now Before It’s Too Late

If you are accused of emotionally abusing a child, or if CPS or law enforcement has started an investigation, your next step is important.

Call The Kronzek Firm right away at (800) 576-6035.
We offer strong, experienced legal defense throughout Michigan. Your family, your freedom, and your future are too important to leave to chance.