When people hear that someone is facing Child Abuse charges in Denver, Adams, or El Paso County, their immediate reaction is usually disgust. The general public believes that a person charged with Child Abuse is a violent person who willfully harms children. While there are children who are abused, we have defended many wonderful people who were charged unlawfully and are innocent. In this week's Simplified Law blog, we'll take a look at Child Abuse charges. For this example, we'll look at misdemeanor Child Abuse – C.R.S. 18-6-401 (7) (V)(VI).

The Lawyer's Definition of Child Abuse

The legal jargon:

“Aperson 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, ore 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.”

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The Simplified Definition of Child Abuse

The simplified version:

“Aperson commits child abuse if their actions cause injury to a child's life or health, or places them in a situation where their life or health is threatened.”

Examples of Child Abuse in Colorado:

Image Credit: Pixabay – kboyd

Boiling Water Mishap

Hannah is a busy mother of 4 children under the age of 10. Her husband recently lost his job, so she found a part-time job in Highlands Ranch. But, she's continuing to provide most of the care for the children, so she's worn from working so hard and not sleeping. One day, she's in the middle of making dinner when her oldest calls out for help in another room. She rushed to his side to help him, only to hear a scream from the kitchen. She runs back, only to find her youngest had toddled over to the stove and pulled a pot of boiling water onto her head. Hannah had inadvertently left the handle hanging over the edge. She rushes to the emergency room, only to find she is now facing Child Abuse charges.

Image Credit: Pixabay – Bessi

Discipline Misunderstanding

Greg and his wife live with their 3 children in Littleton, Colorado. Their middle daugther is 3 years old, and she's at that age where she tests everything they say. They counsel with their pastor, who tells them that spanking might help them with her attitude problems. They pray about it, and the next time she throws a temper tantrum, they spank her and gently remind her to behave. The next day, they send their daughter to daycare, only to receive a phone call from the police in the afternoon. A daycare worker noticed bruises on their daughter's butt. Greg and his wife are shocked! They didn't spank him hard enough to cause bruises – she must have fallen at daycare. Regardless, they are facing Child Abuse charges.

When your children are involved, you need to fight to protect their future, as well as yours.

The Sentence for Child Abuse Charges

In the two examples above, the parents of the children would most likely be charged with misdemeanor Child Abuse. Class 1 misdemeanor Child Abuse is charged when a person “acts knowingly or recklessly and the child abuse results in any injury other than serious bodily injury.” Class 2 misdemeanor Child Abuse is charged when a person “acts with criminal negligence” and causes injury to a child. Either way, Child Abuse charges in Arapahoe, Jefferson, or Boulder County should not be ignored. Jail time is possible, and you could lose custody of your children in some cases.

Why You Need a Lawyer for Child Abuse Charges

If you or a loved one is facing Child Abuse charges, don't hesitate to contact the best criminal defense lawyer for your case. When it comes to your children, you need to be proactive and fight the charges against you. You could lose custody of your kids, who could be placed in foster care. Don't let that happen. Contact one of our outstanding criminal defense lawyers to fight on your behalf in the courtroom and protect the future of you and your family.

Get Help Now

If you or a loved one is facing Child Abuse charges, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O'Malley Law Office for a free consultation at 303-830-0880. If you or a friend needs a jail visit from an attorney, we can do that. Together, we will protect your future.Request a Free Consultation