Darien Child Abuse Lawyer

Can I Be Arrested for Child Abuse Allegations in Darien?

Yes. Any time child abuse is alleged in Darien, the Darien police can initiate an arrest for risk of injury to a minor under age 16, under Connecticut General Statutes (“C.G.S.”) §53-21.  A Risk of Injury arrest can occur when someone is accused of:

  • Willfully committing an act likely to impair the health or morals of a child
  • Unlawfully allowing a child to be put in a life-threatening situation
  • Causing a child to be placed in a situation likely to harm the child’s health or morals
  • Making contact with the intimate body parts of a child or allowing the child to make contact with the intimate body parts of an adult in a sexual and indecent manner

What are the Penalties for Risk of Injury to a Minor in Darien?

As domestic violence attorneys know, risk of injury is treated as a Class B or C felony, depending on the circumstances of the arrest. Penalties for a Class C felony include up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The potential term of imprisonment doubles for a Class B felony, and the fine may be as high as $15,000.

Any conviction for Risk of Injury creates a criminal record that  can cause loss of employment and can trigger a DCF investigation.  Because these penalties can be harsh, anyone facing charges should consider securing representation from a top Darien child abuse lawyer experienced with criminal defense.

What Can Lead to a Risk of Injury Arrest in Darien?

Child abuse attorneys in Darien are familiar with the statutory definition of an “abused” child as described in C.G.S. §46b-120. If a child has injuries “that are at variance with the history given of them,” meaning that there have been two different versions of how an injury occurred, then the child may be considered abused.

If a child is injured by means not considered an accident, then the child also may be regarded as abused. Various signs of “maltreatment” also provide grounds to describe a child as “abused.” These signs include deprivation of necessities, malnutrition, punishment considered “cruel,” sexual exploitation or molestation, and emotional mistreatment.

Contact a Darien Child Abuse Attorney Today

Accusations of child abuse can ruin your life. Investigators from the Department of Children and Families may show up at your doorstep without warning, asking questions and speaking with neighbors, teachers, and others.  If you are accused of child abuse or arrested for risk of injury, contact a knowledgeable Darien child abuse lawyer could protect the rights and privacy of your family while helping you work toward a positive outcome. For a consultation to learn the benefits an experienced attorney could provide in your situation, call Mark Sherman Law.

Live Chat