An argument over a parking spot turned vicious quickly, and there was an interesting audience watching. According to the news report, a woman was attempting to park in a spot at the mall when she realized there was a man standing in the spot to save it. The woman found another place to park, but got into an argument with the man and his wife as she walked into the mall. The wife ended up throwing the woman to the ground and punching her in the face over and over again. The husband videotaped this encounter all the while encouraging his wife and cheering her on. Her children can be heard in the background begging her to stop. Though the wife has not been caught, when she is, she will be facing 3rd Degree Assault and Child Abuse charges.
Parking Lot Brawl: Third Degree Assault in Weld County
Colorado law defines C.R.S. 18-3-204 – Assault in the Third Degree – as:
- The person knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another person or with criminal negligence the person causes bodily injury to another person by means of a deadly weapon
The wife in the case above knowingly caused bodily injury to the woman, even though the injuries were considered minor. According to the law in Weld, Morgan, and Logan County, ‘bodily injury’ means:
- Physical pain
- Illness
- Any impairment or mental condition
Because the woman suffered injuries, the wife is facing this class 1 extraordinary risk misdemeanor crime. This level misdemeanor is punishable with 6 to 24 months in the Weld County Jail and up to $5,000 in fines.
Child Abuse in Greeley
While there were no children involved in the altercation, the mere fact the wife’s children were present and witnessed the fight puts the parents at risk for Child Abuse charges. Anytime a child is around when an argument or act of violence occurs, Child Abuse is usually charged. This crime can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor in Greeley, Berthoud, or Windsor, depending on the situation.
If you or someone you love has been charged with 3rd Degree Assault or Child Abuse, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at (970) 616-6009 to set up a free consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
Image Credit: Pixabay – PublicDomainPictures