Child Abuse with Domestic Abuse – Lawyer in Weld County
Do Domestic Violence or Child Abuse Charges Affect Child Custody?

Accused of Child Abuse with Domestic Violence charges? Call Greeley’s leading attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009.

In Weld County, being charged for Child Abuse with Domestic Violence can be overwhelming. Child Abuse does affect child custody in your divorce case, so call Weld County’s best criminal lawyers to get the best outcome in your criminal case. Judges care whether a parent has a conviction for Child Abuse.   The O’Malley Law Office can answer any questions you may have about Child Abuse, Domestic Violence charges and how they impact your parental responsibility / child custody case.

What is the Definition of Child Abuse, C.R.S. 18-6-401, in Greeley, Colorado?

The definition of Child Abuse, C.R.S. 18-6-401, in Greeley is:

A person commits child abuse if such person causes an injury to a child’s life or health, or permits a child to be unreasonably placed in a situation that poses a threat of injury to the child’s life or health, or engages in a continued pattern of conduct that results in malnourishment, lack of proper medical care, cruel punishment, mistreatment, or an accumulation of injuries that ultimately results in the death of a child or serious bodily injury to a child.

Most judges will feel like a confirmed case of Child Abuse or Domestic Abuse means that child custody orders should exclude you in favor of the more safe parent, who does not have a Child Abuse criminal record.

What are the Penalties and Sentence to Misdemeanor and Felony Child Abuse Charges in Weld County?

In Weld County the sentence and penalties for a Child Abuse conviction differ greatly dependent on the injury to the child, age of child, and whether or not you acted knowingly. If there was no injury or minor injury, a class 3 Misdemeanor is likely, which is punishable by up to 6 months in the Weld County Jail, and a fine of $50 – $750. At the other extreme, the most serious sentence is for a class 2 felony Child Abuse. Consequences of felony child abuse convictions resulting in death can include 8-24 years in prison and a fine of $5,000-$1,000,000. A Child Abuse conviction is an Extraordinary Risk Crime that carries heavier penalties.

Greeley, Colorado Definition of Domestic Violence, C.R.S. 18-6-8003

The definition of Domestic Violence, C.R.S. 18-6-8003, in Greeley is:

an act or threatened act of violence upon a person with whom the actor is or has been involved in an intimate relationship. “Domestic violence” also includes any other crime against a person, or against property, including an animal, when used as a method of coercion, control, punishment, intimidation, or revenge directed against a person with whom the actor is or has been involved in an intimate relationship.

Penalties for Domestic Violence or Domestic Abuse in Weld County Courts

In Weld County Domestic Violence is a Sentence Enhancer, so the specific penalties lie with the original criminal charge. With the Sentence Enhancer which Domestic Violence adds, comes a more strict protection order, Domestic Violence treatment and / or counseling and the loss of firearm possession.

Greeley, Colorado, Charges Related to Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Which Can Impact Child Custody Orders

Charges that can be related to Domestic Violence, Child Abuse and child custody in Greeley, could be:

  • Domestic Violence Assault, C.R.S. 18-3-2-02
  • Domestic Violence Harassment, C.R.S. 18-9-111
  • Domestic Violence Menacing, C.R.S. 18-3-206

Resolving cases of Child Abuse with Domestic Violence, needs experienced lawyers who will fight for the best outcome in your case. The outcome in your criminal case will also help you with any potential child custody or parental responsibility issues that may arise. Child Abuse and Domestic Violence charges can affect your personal and professional life.  You can also face jail time, probation, fines, and changes in your child custody arrangements.

If you or a loved one have been accused Child Abuse with Domestic Violence charges, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call Greeley’s leading attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office. Never answer police officer questions.  Call 970-616-6009 to meet with a Domestic Violence criminal defense lawyer in Weld County / Greeley area for a free consultation. Together, we can protect your future.

Image by Dimitris Vetsikas from Pixabay