Allegations of child abuse or endangerment are serious. It is vital to approach this situation with care, as the consequences of a conviction could alter the course of your life forever. You have the right to protect yourself against child abuse accusations by seeking support from a dedicated defense attorney.
If you have been accused of abuse, a Denver child endangerment lawyer is here to help. Representing yourself in court is risky, as the state will not hesitate to use the resources necessary to secure a conviction. Reach out right away to discuss your defense options.
Many states recognize a criminal offense known as child endangerment, but Colorado is not one of them. While this specific charge does not exist under state law, there is still a prohibition in place against abusing or neglecting a child.
Child abuse can come in different forms, including physical harm, emotional abuse, or sexual abuse. The state can also pursue criminal charges when negligence is present, which is when a parent or guardian fails to provide for their child’s basic needs.
Often, misunderstandings can lead to disciplinary actions, resulting in unnecessary criminal charges. A Denver attorney could help establish when these actions should not result in child endangerment charges being filed.
Allegations of abuse are different from many other types of crimes. Not only is there the potential for jail time and fines, but these cases also involve the welfare of a minor. If the state believes a child has been abused and is in danger, Child Protective Services can become involved.
In these situations, the state can seek to temporarily remove children from the custody of their parents or guardians if law enforcement believes the children’s safety is in danger. This can occur at the same time as a criminal investigation.
Success in a criminal case means more than avoiding jail time or fines; if a Denver child endangerment attorney is successful, it could help reunite a family.
Different options exist for selecting a defense strategy. While being accused of mistreating a child is hurtful, there are different approaches that can lead to a favorable result.
In some cases, the best approach is to focus on the lack of evidence by the prosecution. The state must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, and they do not always have enough evidence to do so. Focusing on the lack of proof can be a strong strategy.
Allegations of endangerment are not always made in good faith. The unfortunate reality is that parents involved in custody disputes or divorce proceedings can accuse the other side of abuse to gain an advantage in court. It may be possible to fight these charges by providing text messages or other evidence that shows the allegations were untrue.
Some attorneys focus on a defense of actual innocence. This is the simplest possible approach, as it involves arguing that the accused has not committed a crime. This is a useful approach in cases where a defendant argues that they were simply disciplining their child and never put them at any risk of harm.
If you have been accused of abusing a child, you have the right to mount a defense, and you do not have to meet this challenge alone. The support of a Denver child endangerment lawyer could make the difference between a conviction and an acquittal. Reach out today to discuss your defense options during a private consultation.