Offenses Against Minors

The Polish Penal Code extensively regulates offenses against minors, with their protection being one of the priorities of criminal law. Article 200 § 1 of the Penal Code provides for a penalty of 2 to 15 years of imprisonment for engaging in sexual intercourse with a person under 15 years of age. Meanwhile, Article 207 of the Penal Code concerns the abuse of family members, including children, providing for a penalty of 3 months to 5 years of imprisonment. The most severe acts, such as the murder of a minor, are punishable by 10 years to life imprisonment (Article 148 of the Penal Code).

Offenses against minors also include acts violating morality and sexual freedom, including, among others, child pornography, incitement to prostitution, or corrupting a minor. All these regulations aim to guarantee a child's right to peaceful and safe development.

Cases involving violence against a child or other acts harmful to minors require an individual approach. Our team always analyzes the situation both factually and legally to propose a solution appropriate to the circumstances. In many cases, the actions of an attorney focus not only on preparing arguments for litigation but also on protecting the interests of the entire family.

Where to Report Child Abuse?

One of the most frequently asked questions is where to report child abuse. Polish law provides several possible avenues for reporting a crime:

• Police or prosecutor's office – these are the primary bodies that receive notifications of a crime. Reports can be made orally or in writing. The police and prosecutor's office are obliged to initiate preparatory proceedings if there are reasonable grounds to suspect a prohibited act has been committed.
• School or educational institution – teachers, educators, and principals are obliged to respond to signals indicating violence against a child. They may notify the family court or law enforcement agencies.
• Social welfare center or family court – in cases where there is a suspicion that a child's welfare is at risk, these institutions take protective actions, such as in the area of foster care.

Any person who has credible information about a prohibited act committed against a child has a legal obligation to report it to law enforcement agencies. Failure to fulfill this obligation may result in criminal liability.

Legal Assistance for Victims

A person victimized by a crime, and in the case of children, their parents or guardians, have the right to full support at every stage of the proceedings. In our law firm, we ensure that the representatives of the victim are kept informed about the progress of the case, and the child can be interviewed in a friendly environment, in accordance with Article 185a of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The interview always takes place in a specially prepared room and in the presence of a psychologist.

Legal assistance in such cases also includes drafting procedural documents, evidence motions, and participation in activities involving the child. We understand how important it is to properly prepare evidence and provide emotional support for guardians who often feel lost in dealing with law enforcement agencies.

We represent victims both in preparatory proceedings and before the court, assisting in pursuing claims for damages and compensation. In cases involving violence against a child, it is often necessary to secure contact with a parent or limit parental rights, which in turn involves parallel proceedings before the family court.

What Are the Penalties for Child Molestation?

The answer to what penalties are imposed for child molestation is clearly defined in legal regulations. The severity of the penalty primarily depends on the age of the victim and the circumstances of the act.

According to Article 200 § 1 of the Penal Code, engaging in sexual intercourse with a minor under 15 years of age is punishable by 2 to 15 years of imprisonment.

If the perpetrator commits another sexual act against a child under 15 years of age or induces them to participate in such acts, they are also subject to the same penalty.

In the case of distributing pornographic content involving minors (Article 202 § 3–4 of the Penal Code), the sanctions range from 2 to 5 years of imprisonment.

It should be emphasized that the regulations particularly protect persons under 15 years of age, and any violation of their sexual freedom is treated very severely.

Criminal Defense Attorney for Juvenile Cases

In cases of offenses against children, an attorney plays a crucial role. They may represent the victim or defend the accused person. Our team handles cases from both perspectives, ensuring thorough preparation at every stage of the proceedings.

For accused individuals, proper preparation of the defense strategy is particularly important. Sometimes charges are based on incomplete evidence, and the process itself can last many months. As defense counsel, we analyze all the evidence, request witness testimonies, submit expert opinions, and prepare appeals in the event of unfavorable judgments.

We focus on a thorough analysis of the case and tailoring actions to the procedural situation. Regardless of whether we act on behalf of the victim or in defense of the accused, our task is to protect the client's rights and ensure a fair trial.

We encourage you to contact us.