As I often peruse the news sites to read about different criminal cases, I am rarely shocked by some of the ridiculous cases that are reported on. However, this one really did make me scoff. According to the news, a group of neighbors were threatened with Child Abuse charges for playing kickball. Yes, playing a neighborhood kickball game with adults and children. Apparently, these neighbors had organized a weekly kickball game on the street they lived on. Another neighbor decided to complain and the police showed up. The group had previously been told they had to get a permit (which would cost $300 every time they wanted to play a game) or go to a park. The officers ticketed two of the adults for blocking a roadway and threatened that next time they would charge Child Abuse for allowing children to play in the street. Seriously? Your kids can’t play in the street in front of your house anymore? In a world where there are so many efforts to pull people apart, we can’t celebrate that a group of people gather to play a game together outside THEIR homes?
Larimer County Child Abuse Lawyer: Definition of Child Abuse in Colorado
The Larimer County, Colorado law definition of Child Abuse – C.R.S. 18-6-401 – is:
It’s likely that the adults would be charged for ‘permitting a child to be unreasonably placed in a situation that poses a threat of injury.’ I guess that means we need to just keep our children inside, as allowing them to play outside could get you charged with a crime.
Sentence for Kickball Game Child Abuse in Loveland and Estes Park
In Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park, Child Abuse is charged based on the intent and level of injury the child sustains. In the situation above, because the children were NOT HARMED (other than to see police officers asserting their authority in a ridiculous manner furthering the narrative that law enforcement can’t be trusted) it would likely be a low level misdemeanor charge.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Child Abuse, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-658-0007 to schedule a free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
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