Child Abuse, Animal Abuse – Common Themes for Denver Defense Attorneys
In the summer, we see many cases of Animal Cruelty and Child Abuse related to leaving pets and children in cars. The child or cat or dog does not have to actually be injured. It is enough that the decision to leave them alone in a car or yard with the hot weather occurred. In other cases, the child or pet falls, steps on a sharp object or leaves a fenced in area.
Cruelty to Animals in Jefferson and Adams County – A Very Broad Charge to Include Most Anything
Under C.R.S. 18-9-202, the Animal Cruelty statute, it is enough for someone to forget their pet’s care such as food, water, shelter while on a vacation or gone from home. This includes leaving the pet out in the sun. In other cases, the wording includes to not provide protection from the elements or other care generally considered normal. This leaves the door wide open for police officers in Jefferson County, Lakewood and Englewood when they see something out of the ordinary concerning your pet. We even had police charges because a dog got his chain tangled up and he did not have the ability to reach his water. Let no doubt remain: anything can result in Cruelty to Animal charges in Colorado. This charge is normally a class one misdemeanor, but can be a felony if convicted of a second or more charge.
Arapahoe and Douglas County Child Abuse Attorney – Here for Your Protection
We all love children – everyone does. But, life happens and kids get hurt. I was hurt as a child and you were too. Unfortunately, today when a child is hurt, police and district attorneys feel someone must be punished. The typical argument is that the parent was negligent in not preventing the harm. This is unfortunate, and causes parents to keep their kids from taking risks or experiencing any adventure.
What is the Lawyer’s Definition of Denver Child Abuse?
In Denver, Colorado, you can be charged and convicted of Child Abuse, C.R.S. 18-6-401 if you “cause injury to a child’s life or health, or permit the child to be unreasonably placed in a situation that poses a threat of injury to the child’s life or health.” Other, more serious and intentional conduct qualifies as well. But, here, we are looking at children out playing in the yard or who are left unharmed in their car while their parent runs inside a store. Kids getting poked in the eye with a stick, or burned while experimenting with fire, are included. I remember learning how to start a fire with lighter fluid and gasoline. My parents were not at home. Today, even if the child was not harmed, parents would be charged with Child Abuse because a kid could have been harmed. Imagine that: potential harm is enough to break the law and have a criminal record.
We feel the government has gone way too far in making laws to punish parents for not watching their kids 100% of the time. Life happens and kids get hurt if they are growing normally. Pets are the same way. You can’t watch them 24/7 to be sure nothing harms them. Call our Aurora and Centennial criminal defense lawyers if you are accused of Cruelty to Animals or Child Abuse. We will treat you like family. We know you are not a bad person because your child or pet was injured. Call us at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.
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