If you have been charged with Child Abuse, it is essential that you hire a top criminal defense lawyer immediately to represent you at the Larimer County Courts. Recently, a Colorado man was charged with this offense after a child in his care drowned in a park lake. The boy had been found by parkgoers, who unsuccessfully attempted to render aid before EMTs appeared on the scene. Because the man – who was a relative of the child – was supposed to be watching the child when he died, the man was charged with Child Abuse. He is most likely facing high-level felony charges, as the child died due to the man’s criminal negligence.
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Blog Navigation: 1. Larimer County Court Definition of Child Abuse, C.R.S. 18-6-401 2. What are Extraordinary Risk Crimes in Fort Collins? |
1. Larimer County Court Definition of Child Abuse, C.R.S. 18-6-401
The Larimer County Court definition of Child Abuse, C.R.S. 18-6-401, is as follows:
Many people think of Child Abuse as intentional acts of harm against a child over a prolonged period of time. While this definition does include such acts, it also includes minor, unintentional acts of harm to a child that stems from negligence or recklessness. As such, it doesn’t take much to be charged with this offense at the Larimer County Courts.
2. What are Extraordinary Risk Crimes in Fort Collins?
One element that makes Child Abuse charges dangerous in Fort Collins is their designation as extraordinary risk crimes. Extraordinary risk crimes are those that not only create risk to an individual victim, but also to greater society. For that reason, a defendant convicted of a crime with this designation will be sentenced to a greater term of incarceration. This applies to all felony charges, and any misdemeanor extraordinary risk crimes committed prior to March 1, 2022.
3. Penalties for Child Abuse in Loveland and Estes Park
Penalties for a conviction of Child Abuse in Loveland and Estes Park vary greatly. This is because its classification as a misdemeanor or felony depends on many different factors. A few of these factors include:
- Type of harm or bodily injury rendered to the child.
- Intent behind the abuse.
- Whether the defendant engaged in a continued pattern of abuse.
Generally, a defendant convicted of Child Abuse can face the following penalties:
Misdemeanor |
Felony |
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A defendant charged with Child Abuse would also be wise to seek a family law attorney if he is the parent or guardian of the child victim. This is because criminal Child Abuse charges go hand-in-hand with civil Dependency and Neglect cases, in which a parent could lose custodial rights of his child(ren).
4. Talk to a Top Larimer County Defense Lawyer Today
If you are facing Child Abuse charges, you do not need to despair – instead, talk to a top Larimer County defense lawyer today. Regardless of whether you have been charged with misdemeanor or felony Child Abuse, we know that your future is at stake. We will defend you throughout your case and fight fiercely on your behalf, both in and outside of the courtroom. Don’t wait to contact us so that we can help you protect your future and freedoms.
Have you been charged with Child Abuse? Be smart, and exercise your right to stay silent – never talk to the Fort Collins Police or Larimer County Sheriff without a lawyer present. Then get in contact with a criminal lawyer with decades of experience at the O’Malley Law Office today at 970-658-0007 to discuss your charges. Together, we can protect your future.
The location for the Larimer County Courthouse is 201 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado. We’ll see you there!
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