Earlier this summer, a woman was charged with Felony Child Abuse – CRS 18-6-401 after a toddler fell from a moving vehicle. The police say that the woman failed to properly restrain the child in a car seat. The two-year-old boy undid his seat belt and opened a rear passenger door, falling from the vehicle as it moved. Now the woman faces charges of child endangerment
Child Abuse: An Extraordinary Risk Crime
In this woman’s circumstance, in order for her to be convicted of felony child abuse, it must be proven that she caused an “injury to a child’s life or health,” or permitted the child to be “unreasonably placed in a situation that poses a threat of injury to the child’s life or health.” Because she may have acted with “criminal negligence” that resulted in “serious bodily injury” to the child, she most likely will be charged with a Class 4 felony. Child Abuse is subject to the modified sentencing range of an “extraordinary risk crime,” which are crimes that present a higher risk of harm to society as a whole. Because of this, the sentence for Class 4 felony abuse of a child is:
- 2 – 8 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections
- $2,000 – $500,000 fine
What Should I Do if I am Facing Child Abuse Charges in Weld County?
If police have contacted you concerning child abuse charges in Weld, Morgan or Logan County, contact our office immediately. The police are not on your side, and will use anything you say against you in court. A child abuse conviction will affect your entire life, and can separate you from your kids. One moment of carelessness with your rambunctious two-year-old could result in serious prison time for child neglect.
If you or a loved one is facing child abuse charges in Weld County, and have been contacted by a Weld County Sheriff deputy or Fort Morgan, Greeley, or Windsor police, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call our experienced lawyers at 970-616-6009, or submit the “Get Help Now” form. Together, we can protect your future.
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