Sometimes the unthinkable happens. A woman from WeldCounty was arrested by Frederick police after the death of her child. She was charged with criminally negligent child abuse resulting in death. When we hear stories like this, we often get irate that a parent could be so abusive a child dies. But, it is wise to hear the whole story, and have compassion as we seek to understand sad situations.
According to news reports, the woman called 911 late one evening. When police arrived, they found a gun near the boy. It was determined he had accidentally shot himself. The boy had found the gun hidden under the mattress in the bedroom. Normally, the family kept the gun in a safe, but they had been hearing shots in the neighborhood, so they kept it close at hand for protection. That morning, the woman forgot to put the gun in the safe. During a forensics interview with the woman’s daughter, it was determined the woman had left the 3-year-old alone while she took her daughter to school. This poor woman not only lost her son, but she is now facing up to 16 years in prison for her moment of carelessness.
How is Child Abuse Charged?
Child Abuse – C.R.S. 18-6-401, is charged in many different ways in Morgan, Logan, and Eagle County. In this situation, the woman was charged because she acted with “criminal negligence and the child abuse results in death to the child.” This is a class 3 felony, and is considered an extraordinary risk crime, which means her sentence could be up to 16 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections.
Why She Needs a Top Criminal Defense Attorney
It is easy to stand back and judge. But, accidents happen when good people do things because they are hurried, confused, or ignorant. In a world of sin, the worst can happen in an instant. This woman needs to work with an experienced lawyer who can defend her freedom. She has another child who needs her. She has a husband who needs her by his side. A horrible accident not only robbed this woman of her son, it has the potential to rob her of her freedom as well.
If you have been charged with Child Abuse in Greeley, Evans or Erie, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009, or submit the “Get Help Now” form. Together, we can protect your future.
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