Shaken Baby Syndrome

What is Shaken Baby Syndrome?

Prosecution-biased experts created a theory explaining certain cases resulting in injuries to children 20 years ago and called it “Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS).” Traditionally, Shaken baby syndrome (SBS) refers to violent shaking of an infant that leads to the infant’s death. Often times, shaken baby syndrome results in serious injuries to the infant’s head or to the infant’s brain.  There is so much controversy surrounding this issue that whole schools of experts in this field come to diametrically opposed conclusions reviewing the evidence surrounding the causes for injured children.  The prosecution experts believe there is a pervasive, continuing large-scale “syndrome” of babies being shaken until they are irreparably harmed.  Other, more neutral scientific experts acknowledge that some parents harm their children, but realize there can be completely innocent explanations for how a baby was harmed.
 
Shaken Baby Syndrome and Criminal Law

Often times, SBS is named as the cause of death, even when the infant’s death may have stemmed from another medical condition.  This is especially true in cases where a hemorrhage was found in the infant’s brain and/or head at the time of death.  When Shaken Baby Syndrome is named the cause of death, medical and legal professionals are quick to presume it was the parents or primary caregiver’s fault.  Once this assumption is made, parents and guardians can be charged with murder and child abuse. Even if the accused parties are innocent, they will be subjected to criminal investigation and prosecution.      

Choosing the Right Attorney

If you have been charged with child abuse and/or murder classified as shaken baby syndrome, it is imperative that you consult with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney who has successfully handled prior child abuse cases.  The science surrounding brain injury, its causes and explanations for conditions is so complex that you cannot take a chance with an attorney who is unfamiliar with these concepts.  You must hire an attorney who understands the complexities of the brain and knows how to explain the different potential causes of these injuries to the trial court or jury. 

Solano County Shaken Baby Syndrome Defense Attorneys 

The Maas Law Offices has extensive experience in representing defendants who have been charged with murder and/or child abuse as a result of prosecution experts finding SBS.  Our team is comprised of experienced, caring criminal defense attorneys who place every effort into helping our clients both in and out of court.  If you have been charged with a serious criminal offense involving child abuse or shaken baby syndrome, call our law firm today for your free consultation at (707) 423-1900.