In Greeley, Colorado, a person faces Misdemeanor Child Abuse charges if a child is injured. In Colorado Springs recently, a woman who owned a school and in-home daycare was charged with Misdemeanor Child Abuse after 26 children were found hidden behind a false wall in her residence. When her residence was searched by child welfare officers, they found the children, who were in dirty diapers, sweaty, and thirsty. Reports are that they were only supervised by 2 adults. The owner and an employee were charged with Misdemeanor Child Abuse as well as others.
What is Misdemeanor Child Abuse in Weld County?
In Weld County, the law’s definition of Child Abuse – C.R.S. 18-6-401 – is:
In the case above, the in-home daycare worker did not cause injury or death, however it could be argued that this was a pattern of conduct of mistreatment to the children in her care. It also appears the children faced a threat of injury due to the limited supervision.
What are the Penalties for Misdemeanor Child Abuse in Greeley, Colorado?
The penalties for Misdemeanor Child Abuse in Greeley, Colorado, are dependent on what has happened to the child or children in the case. If no injuries were sustained, the charge would be a Class 3 Misdemeanor and is punishable with up to 6 months in the Weld County Jail, and a fine of $50 – $750, or both. If the child sustains a non-serious bodily injury, then the charge could be a Class 2 Misdemeanor and is punishable between 3 to 12 months in jail, and a fine of $500 – $1,000, or both. If the person acts knowingly or recklessly acts and causes a non-serious bodily injury, then the charge is a Class 1 Misdemeanor and it is punishable with 6 to 18 months in the Weld County Jail, and a fine of $500 – $5,000, or both.
What are Examples of Misdemeanor Child Abuse in Weld County?
In Weld County, Misdemeanor Child Abuse has very vague language surrounding it. As stated above, it is not only when a child is injured but it is also when a child is placed in a situation where they could sustain injury. Children fall off playground equipment, gain access into locked medical cabinets and they can easily wander off quickly. Parenting is a hard job and while these examples may seem to be ridiculous, they illustrate the possibility for anyone to be charged for a slight incident or accident. Our experience is that any accident where a child is hurt, is considered fair game for criminal charges. DHS, Social Services and the police act as if they have no idea what it takes to raise a child or the reality that accidents can happen not matter how good a parent or in-home daycare provided is.
A criminal charge of Misdemeanor Child Abuse can have huge negative impacts on your life, family, and future. You will need an experienced lawyer who can help you navigate the court system and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
Are you or a loved one are facing a criminal charge of Misdemeanor Child Abuse in Greeley or Weld County? If so, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call the experienced defense attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office. Call 970-616-6009 to meet with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Weld County and Greeley area for a free consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
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