While the legal drinking age is 21, a parent is allowed some discretion in this area and can provide alcohol to their own children in Greeley, Erie, and Evans. This is, however, with the understanding that the parent is monitoring the situation and not allowing other kids (like friends) to partake as well. Two parents are facing Child Abuse charges after allowing their 13-year-old daughter to take numerous shots of vodka, causing her to overdose. According to the news report, the girl had to be airlifted to a hospital and had a BAC of .32. When a friend called 911, the parents fled which, doesn’t make them look very good. They were arrested and charged with Child Abuse.
Weld County Child Abuse Lawyer: What is the Definition of Child Abuse?
The Colorado definition of Child Abuse – C.R.S. 18-6-401 – is:
Because the parents allegedly allowed their daughter to drink excessively, according to the law, they put her in a dangerous situation with an outcome of bodily injury, and a threat of much greater injury.
What is the Sentence for Child Abuse Related to Alcohol in Fort Morgan, Colorado?
Child Abuse can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor in Weld, Morgan, and Logan County, depending on the intent and level of injury sustained:
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Child Abuse Crime Classifications and Charges |
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When a person acts knowingly or recklessly and the child abuse results in death to the child |
Class 2 felony Child Abuse |
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When a person acts with criminal negligence and the child abuse results in death to the child |
Class 3 felony Child Abuse |
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When the person acts knowingly or recklessly and the child abuse results in serious bodily injury |
Class 4 felony Child Abuse |
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When the person acts knowingly or recklessly and the child abuse results in an injury other than serious bodily injury |
Class 1 misdemeanor Child Abuse |
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When the person acts with criminal negligence and the child abuse results in any injury other than serious bodily injury |
Class 2 misdemeanor Child Abuse |
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When the person acts knowingly or recklessly and no injury results |
Class 2 misdemeanor Child Abuse |
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When the person acts with criminal negligence and no injury results |
Class 3 misdemeanor Child Abuse |
Most likely, the parents are looking at a class 1 misdemeanor charge because they knowingly let her drink and the drinking caused bodily injury. Of course, if a jury determined that there was a substantial risk of death, or serious bodily injury, they could be convicted of a class 4 felony.
If you or someone you love has been charged with felony or misdemeanor Child Abuse in Weld County, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best Child Abuse attorneys in Greeley at 970-616-6009 today. Together, we can protect your future.
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