Child Abuse is charged in Fort Collins and Larimer County when a person is accused of hurting, allowing a child to be in a situation where they could be hurt, or neglecting a child. With the closing of schools and children staying home with their families due to the Coronavirus, it seems that Child Abuse reporting rates have been dropping in many states. Many believe that this is because teachers are a main source for child abuse reports. Other people in positions of trust who are mandatory reporters, like doctors, dentists, social workers, counselors, etc., are not seeing the children like they normally do to see any signs or hear any concerning stories. This does not mean, however, that no Child Abuse cases are being filed. Often the cases we see stem from a domestic dispute where the children are present, so Child Abuse is an additional charge.
Lawyer for Child Abuse Reporting Charges: Definition of Child Abuse in Larimer County
The Larimer County, Colorado law definition of Child Abuse – C.R.S. 18-6-401 – is:
When Child Abuse charges are the result of a child being present during an argument or other domestic issue, the DA would argue that having the child was at risk of being injured during the altercation. Sometimes, it’s a real stretch, but that doesn’t stop the charges from being filed.
Sentence for Child Abuse in Loveland and Estes Park
In Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park, Child Abuse can be a misdemeanor or felony depending on the intent of the person charged and the resulting injury level to the child. The table below outlines the different aspects to each felony or misdemeanor Child Abuse charge:
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Child Abuse Crime Classifications and Charges |
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| Acting knowingly or recklessly resulting in death to the child |
Class 2 felony |
| Acting with criminal negligence resulting in death to the child |
Class 3 felony |
| Acting knowingly or recklessly with serious bodily injury |
Class 4 felony |
| Acting knowingly or recklessly with an injury other than serious bodily injury |
Class 1 misdemeanor |
| Acting with criminal negligence with any injury other than serious bodily injury |
Class 2 misdemeanor |
| Acting knowingly or recklessly with no injury |
Class 2 misdemeanor |
| Acting with criminal negligence with no injury |
Class 3 misdemeanor |
For the cases where the children are present, but have no actual injuries, the class 3 misdemeanor is usually the charge.