Child Abuse is charged in Fort Collins and Larimer County when a person is accused of harming a child or putting a child in harm’s way – and these allegations carry collateral consequences. A father was recently charged with this crime after he was accused of purposely hitting a motorcyclist on I-25. According to the report, the man claimed that he was changing lanes and accidentally struck the motorist. However, when investigators received video footage from another driver on the road at that time, along with accident reconstruction information, it was determined that the incident was on purpose. The man was arrested and charged with Attempted First Degree Murder, Felony Menacing, Vehicular Assault, Reckless Endangerment, and Child Abuse. The Child Abuse charge stems from the fact that the man’s daughter was in the car when he hit the motorcyclist.
Larimer County Child Abuse Attorney: Definition of Child Abuse in Colorado
The Larimer County, Colorado law definition of Child Abuse – C.R.S. 18-6-401 – is:
Child Abuse can be charged as a low level misdemeanor all the way to a high level felony depending on the intent of the person charged and the level of injury the child sustained.
Collateral Consequences of Child Abuse Allegations in Loveland and Estes Park: When CPS or DHS Gets Involved in Your Life
While the man is facing multiple serious charges, like Attempted Murder, the Child Abuse charge is still a serious one to deal with. There are many collateral consequences that can stem from Child Abuse charges. Sometimes when a Child Abuse allegation is made, DHS (Department of Human Services) or CPS (Child Protection Services) will get involved. In Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park, they can be very intrusive and demand to talk to your child, come to your home and judge how you run your life. They look for issue that aren’t there. They may require you to take classes or complete assignments in order to fulfill their requirements. The hard part is that anything you or your child say can become a part of the criminal case. So, you are stuck because these agencies demand you speak with them, but your attorney will likely suggest you don’t discuss any allegations related to the case.