By Ryan E. Alekman, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
A 4-year-old boy from New Bedford, Massachusetts was beaten so badly that the mere sight of the child brought tears to a hospital nurse. Police have arrested and charged the the mother’s boyfriend for the horrific beating of the child. 31-year-old Elvis Garcia has been charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Officials stated the little boy’s body was covered in bruises and cuts and had dried blood in his ear. Detective Alberto B. Silva described the crime committed against the victim to the New Bedford Times as “heinous.” 33-year-old Sandra Augusto, the child’s mother, was also arrested and charged with substantial injury to a child and and reckless endangerment to a child under 18; she is accused of allowing the abuse to happen. For more see 4-year-old New Bedford boy sustains “heinous” beating, mother and boyfriend arrested.
Both suspects are entitled to legal representation to defend against the criminal charges by a private criminal defense attorney or by the public defender’s office. Physical violence committed against a child invades the child’s right to be free from bodily harm. Although children are unable to seek action against their abusers themselves, the State of Massachusetts can prosecute the abusers as well as designate a Guardian Ad Litem or other legal representative to protect the child’s rights and interests.