Child Abuse Attorney in Greeley, Colorado
What is the Difference Between Misdemeanor and Felony Child Abuse at the Weld County Court?

Child Abuse, C.R.S. 18-6-401, can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony at the Weld County Court in Greeley, Colorado.  The level of charges filed depends on the defendant’s intent, whether the child was injured or died, and other factors.  While misdemeanor Child Abuse charges are most common, they can still be devastating – especially given that the criminal record still cannot be sealed after conviction.  If you have been charged with misdemeanor or felony Child Abuse, don’t wait – contact a top criminal defense lawyer today to discuss your case.

Blog Navigation: Colorado’s Law on Child Abuse, C.R.S. 18-6-401 Misdemeanor vs. Felony Child Abuse at the Weld County Court Penalties for Child Abuse in Greeley, CO | Weld County Jail / Colorado Prison Time and More

Colorado’s Law on Child Abuse, C.R.S. 18-6-401

Colorado’s law on Child Abuse, C.R.S. 18-6-401, is as follows:

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Child Abuse at the Weld County Court

There are several factors that differentiate misdemeanor vs. felony Child Abuse at the Weld County Court.  These factors are outlined in the table below:

	Misdemeanor	Felony
Circumstances	Any act of child abuse that does not result in injury or death Knowing, reckless, or criminally negligent behavior resulting in non-serious bodily injury	Any act of Child Abuse that results in serious bodily injury or death to a child, or It is the defendant’s second or subsequent offense and the defendant engaged in repeated acts of abuse against the child. Ex.: Committing repeated acts of Domestic Violence against an intimate partner in the child’s presence.

Generally, when a child is grievously injured or dies, or is subject to a pattern of abuse, the defendant will be charged with felony Child Abuse.  More minor acts resulting in misdemeanor Child Abuse charges tend to be more difficult to pin down given the vagueness of Colorado’s law.  One example of misdemeanor Child Abuse could include neglecting to put a helmet on your child when you take him for a ride on your motorcycle.

Penalties for Child Abuse in Greeley, CO | Weld County Jail / Colorado Prison Time and More

Penalties imposed on defendants convicted of Child Abuse in Greeley, CO vary greatly, given the number of variables that go into a Child Abuse charge.  Generally, though, these penalties are outlined as follows:

Misdemeanor	Felony
Up to 364 days in the Weld County Jail Fine + surcharges A criminal record that may not be sealed	Several years in the Colorado DOC; Child Abuse is designated an extraordinary risk crime subject to the modified sentencing range Parole after release from prison Fine + surcharges Restitution payments A criminal record that cannot be sealed Personal consequences, such as loss of professional licensure if you’re a daycare worker or loss of custody if you’re a parent

If you have been accused of abusing a child, time is of the essence.  Don’t wait to contact a top criminal defense lawyer to represent you at the Weld County Court.  Whether you were charged with a misdemeanor or felony, the potential penalties that could be levied against you will be devastating.  Give us a call today, and we can help you protect your future.

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Have you been charged with Child Abuse?  Be smart, and exercise your right to stay silent – never talk to the Greeley Police or Weld County Sheriff about your case.  Then call 970-616-6009 to get in contact with a top criminal defense lawyer from the O’Malley Law Office today.  Together, we can protect your future.

The location for the Weld County Courthouse is 901 9^th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado. We’ll see you there!

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