Have you been falsely accused of a Felony Child Abuse charge in Weld County? Hiring a criminal defense attorney who can fight for you in court system is critical. In Fountain, Colorado a couple was recently faced with false accusations of child abuse after their 5 month old was taken in to a doctor after injuring his knee. After scans revealed multiple old breaks on the child that could not be explained, the child was placed in protective custody and both parents were later charged with a Felony Child Abuse charge. The Fountain couple, did not give up and found several doctors who were able to prove that due to his medical history, the breaks were from neonatal rickets and not Child Abuse. Following an incredibly long time apart from his parents, the infant was returned 7 months after he had been removed.. We expect no apologies were issued by the government, but at least the criminal charges were dropped. If you are facing false allegations of Felony or Misdemeanor Child Abuse charges, call the O’Malley Law Office or read below to learn more.
In Greeley, Colorado, What is the Definition of Felony Child Abuse C.R.S. 18-6-401?
The definition of Felony Child Abuse -C.R.S. 18-6-401- in Greeley, Colorado is:
In the above case, had the multiple fractures to the infant been caused by the parents, then the criminal charges would have gone forward. Serious bodily injury is normally seen as an essential part of these felony charges of Child Abuse.
Examples of Felony and Misdemeanor Child Abuse in Weld County
In Weld County, some people are worried that spanking their child could lead to charges. We’ve seen that occur many times. Here are some other examples of Child Abuse that could lead to charges:
- Getting a DUI or a DWAI with a child in the car
- Allowing the presence of a child near the manufacture of controlled substances or near certain drugs
- Engaging in a pattern of malnourishment, cruel punishment, or lack of proper medical care
- Causing an injury that threatens the life or the health of a child (physical or emotional abuse)
Felony and Misdemeanor Child Abuse Penalties and Sentence in Greeley, Colorado
The consequences of Child Abuse in Greeley, Colorado, can vary widely, depending on the age of the victim, whether you acted knowingly, recklessly, or negligently, and whether the abuse resulted in serious bodily injury or death. Child Abuse is also an Extraordinary Risk Crime, which carries heftier penalties. You can learn more here.
| Injury to Child | Penalty | Sentence |
| Minor or no injury | Misdemeanor | 3-18 months in jail, and/or a $250-$1,000 fine.
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| Minor or no injury with a prior Child Abuse conviction | Class 5 Felony | 1-5 years in Colorado Department of Corrections, and/or a fine of $1,000-$100,000.
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| Serious Bodily Injury | Class 4 Felony | 4-16 years in CDC, and/or a fine of $3,000-$750,000.
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| Death of a Child | Class 2 Felony | 8-24 years in prison, and/or a fine of $5,000-$1,000,000.
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As with the couple in the above story, if you are facing allegations of Felony or Misdemeanor Child Abuse, you will need a great defense attorney to be in your corner to fight for you and give you the best outcome in your case. Police officers will charge you with Child Abuse just to avoid the possibility of future criticism. Don’t let their fear place your life in jeopardy.