Child Abuse is broadly worded in Weld County and easy to charge.  Simply letting a child be in an “unreasonable risk of bodily injury” can result in the charge.  Many different considerations – such as severity of bodily injury and whether the act was knowing or reckless – add to the complexity of Child Abuse cases.  If you are facing Child Abuse charges, it is crucial that you call an experienced Greeley criminal defense attorney immediately.  The Weld County District Attorneys do not take these cases lightly, and if convicted, you will face severe, life-altering penalties, and likely limitations on contact with your own child.

Weld County Child Abuse and Neglect Subtopics

Further information on Child Abuse and Neglect in Weld County can be found in the links below:

• Misdemeanor Child Abuse
• Felony Child Abuse
• Dependency and Neglect

How Does the Weld County Court Define Child Abuse?

The Weld County Court defines Child Abuse, C.R.S. 18-6-401, as resulting from many different actions.  In essence, acts that cause risk of injury, bodily injury, malnourishment, illness, or other harm to a child can result in Child Abuse charges.  Actions listed under C.R.S. 18-6-401 include, but are not limited to:

• Causing bodily injury to a child (which can mean any pain)
• Putting a child at an unreasonable risk for bodily injury (no pain or injury is necessary)
• Neglecting to provide adequate nutrition or medical care to a child
• Engaging in a pattern of conduct that results in a child’s death or serious bodily injury
• Allowing the child to be around controlled substances that were not prescribed to him or the parent

Anyone in the direct care of or in contact with a child can be charged with Child Abuse if evidence shows that their actions resulted in harm to the child.  This often means parents and legal guardians, but this can also include neighbors, babysitters, teachers, daycare workers, and other people in contact with a child. This sometimes implies a duty to know that a child is ill or endangered.

False Accusations of Child Abuse in Greeley, Colorado

False accusations of Child Abuse can happen to anyone in Greeley.  Sometimes a well-meaning neighbor calls the police after seeing a child with bruises on her body.  The neighbor is rightly concerned with the child’s welfare, but may not know that the child was simply hurt at soccer practice.  Other times, an ex-spouse reports his former wife for Child Abuse to seek revenge against her.  Whatever the case, false allegations of Child Abuse are serious and can result in severe penalties.  Police are quick to charge and District Attorneys are slow to dismis those charges.  Seeking a top criminal defense lawyer following a Child Abuse accusation makes all the difference in your case and whether you face penalties you don’t deserve.

Weld County Court Protection Orders in Child Abuse Cases

When you are charged with a crime like Child Abuse, the Weld County Court automatically files a criminal protection order / restraining order to prohibit you from interacting with the child victim or others involved in the case.  Criminal restraining orders are automatically terminated following the conclusion of the case.  However, a protected party – such as the other parent of your child – may also file for a civil protection order.  This will continue to prevent you from seeing your child, even after your criminal case is over.  If you have become the restrained party of a criminal or civil restraining order, a criminal defense lawyer can help you fight to have the order modified or dismissed so you can see your child again.

Greeley Dependency and Neglect, C.R.S. 19-3-102

In Greeley, Child Abuse is closely linked to Dependency and Neglect, C.R.S. 19-3-102 / D&N.  D&N cases are initiated when a mandatory reporter files a report of suspected Child Abuse or Neglect.  The Department of Human Services / DHS then steps in to investigate the report.  After the investigation, DHS may open a civil D&N case.  This can result in the child being taken away from his or her parents and placed in the care of DHS or a relative.  Dependency and Neglect cases are civil, but parents subject to these cases can also be charged with Child Abuse, depending on the outcome of the investigation. Never give any statement to a social or DHS worker, as they commonly share all reports with police for criminal prosecution.

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Child Abuse in Greeley

Child Abuse can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony in Greeley.  This primarily depends on the level of bodily injury rendered to the child as a result of the abuse, and whether the adult acted knowingly or recklessly.  More severe penalties result from knowingly engaging in Child Abuse, or when the child suffers serious bodily injury or death.  When charged as a felony, Child Abuse is also considered an extraordinary risk crime, which means that the maximum prison sentence a person can receive for the same class of crime is elevated.

Why Hire a Top Weld County Child Abuse Attorney?

You need a Top Weld County Child Abuse Attorney in Weld County if you think you might be charged.  Don’t speak to police, but seek experienced legal counsel up-front.  Child Abuse comes with a vast number of penalties such as:

• Having a mandatory protection order filed against you, prohibiting you from seeing your child
• Time in the Weld County Jail or in a Colorado State Prison
• Fines of up to thousands of dollars
• Restitution payments
• Mandatory parole after incarceration, if you are convicted of felony Child Abuse
• High bail bonds
• Employment loss
• Mandatory firearm and ammunition relinquishment

The repercussions from a Child Abuse charge are very costly.  Whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony Child Abuse charges, everything is at risk – including your freedom, finances, and precious time with your family.  Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney to advocate for you at the Weld County Court is the best course of action to protect your future.  A knowledgeable attorney can examine your case from every angle to create a defense strategy that will result in a case dismissal or reduced charges.  Don’t delay – time is of the essence.  The sooner your criminal defense lawyer can discuss your case with you, the greater your chances are of avoiding time at the Weld County Jail.