A Child Abuse accusation can upend your life before any court date. In Larimer County, these cases often involve law enforcement and human services at the same time, and the charge can range from a misdemeanor to a serious felony.
Fort Collins Child Abuse Lawyer: What Is Child Abuse Under Colorado Law?
Under C.R.S. § 18-6-401, a person commits Child Abuse by causing injury to a child’s life or health, or by permitting a child to be unreasonably placed in a situation that poses a threat of injury. It can also involve a pattern of conduct, such as cruel punishment, mistreatment, or a lack of proper care. Under this statute, a child is someone under 16.
Attorney for Child Abuse Charges in Larimer County: How Is Child Abuse Classified?
The charge level depends on the child’s injury and the person’s alleged mental state:
|
Circumstance |
Offense Level |
| Criminal negligence, injury not serious or no injury | Class 2 misdemeanor |
| Knowing or reckless, injury not serious or no injury | Class 1 misdemeanor |
| Criminal negligence, serious bodily injury | Class 4 felony |
| Knowing or reckless, serious bodily injury
Criminal negligence, death |
Class 3 felony
Class 3 felony |
| Knowing or reckless, death | Class 2 felony |
Some cases are charged as a class 5 felony, such as those involving a prior Child Abuse conviction. Felony Child Abuse is treated as an extraordinary risk crime, which increases the potential sentencing range.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Abuse in Fort Collins
Is Child Abuse a felony in Colorado?
It can be. Cases involving serious bodily injury or death are felonies.
Does a child have to be injured for a Child Abuse charge?
No. Placing a child in a situation that poses a threat of injury can also be charged.
Can Child Abuse be charged if the harm was not intentional?
Yes. Acting with criminal negligence can be enough for a charge.
If you’re facing Child Abuse charges, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense lawyers from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-658-0007 to schedule a free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
Photo by Yan Krukau