Our leading lawyers know that if a child faces an unreasonable risk of being injured or is injured, they will face a Child Abuse charge at the Weld County Courthouse. A good example is the parents in Colorado Springs who are faced with a Child Abuse charge after their 4 year old shot himself and died. The child was waiting in the car with his mom, while his dad was in a store. During this time, the child self-inflicted a gunshot wound to the head and was pronounced dead when first responders arrived. If found guilty at their jury trial, the parents would face lengthy time in the Colorado Department of Corrections. The leading lawyers at the O’Malley Law Office can help you navigate Child Abuse charges without judgement and get you the best outcome in your case.
What is the Definition of Child Abuse, C.R.S. 18-6-401, in Greeley, Colorado Courts?
In Greeley, the definition of Child Abuse, C.R.S. 18-6-401, is:
The parents in the above story could be charged and convicted of Child Abuse if it can be proved that their conduct placed the child in the situation that resulted in the child’s death.
Can Child Abuse, in Weld County, be Charged if There is No Injury?
The short answer is yes, you can be charged with Child Abuse even with no injury in Weld County. If you knowingly, recklessly, or even negligently mistreat, not take care or place a child in a situation that poses an unreasonable threat of injury – even if it does not happen, you can still be charged with a misdemeanor. The key word is “unreasonable.” There are many situations where kids and adults face a risk of injury, such as being a passenger on a motorcycle, flying in a small plane, or mowing a lawn. But these risks are reasonable or unreasonable depending on the child’s age and other circumstances. At trial, a jury would determine the reasonableness of a situation.
What is the Sentence and Punishment for Child Abuse in Greeley, Colorado?
The sentence for Child Abuse in Greeley, depends on the injuries that the child suffered, or how serious the risk of injury was to the child. In the case above, the parents could be faced with one of the most severe charges of Negligent Child Abuse Resulting in Death, which is a class 3 felony with penalties of 4-16 years in Colorado Department of Corrections, and a fine of $3,000-$750,000. If the child’s injuries had resulted in Serious Bodily Harm that was from negligence, they could have been charged with class 4 felony and penalties of 2-8 years in prison, and a fine of $2,000-$500,000. No injuries or minor injuries would be a misdemeanor with 3-18 months in jail, and a $250-$1,000 fine, unless they were negligent then the penalties would be less severe. In any Child Abuse conviction, if the defendant has already been convicted of Child Abuse, the sentence and penalties are increased.
How to Fight False Accusations in a Child Abuse Charge in Weld County?
Fighting a Child Abuse charge in Weld County starts with hiring the right lawyer. Our defense attorneys know that parenting is hard. Children can sometimes make up accusations to retaliate against their parents, or former spouses in a custody battle can falsely accuse the other of Child Abuse. Your case demands justice and that does not just happen by itself. Don’t rely on an over-worked Public Defender. While they are good attorneys, they are overworked. Don’t let false accusations of Child Abuse tear your family apart. Learn more about facing false accusations of Child Abuse in Fort Collins, by clicking here.
Facing allegations of Child Abuse in Greeley or Weld County? Call the O’Malley Law Office now. If facing a criminal accusation, it is always best to get prepared as soon as possible. Avoid talking to the police and hire a defense lawyer immediately. Call 970-616-6009 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney in the Greeley and Weld County areas today. Together, we can protect your future.
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