Milford Risk of Injury to a Minor Lawyer

A Milford risk of injury to a minor lawyer can help you understand and protect your and your family’s rights. Call a top-rated and dedicated attorney today to begin working towards the optimal resolution of your case.

Is Risk of Injury to a Minor the Same as Child Endangerment?

Although people in Milford commonly use the term “child endangerment,” Connecticut laws refer to these offenses as “risk of injury to a minor”. Specifically, Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §53a-21 describes three types of prohibited conduct that could endanger the physical or moral health of a child.

The first action is a broad prohibition against placing a minor in a situation likely to result in harm. The second action prohibits sexual contact with a minor, and the third prohibits the “sale” of children via an improper transfer of custody.

The statute is broad, and the first subsection can cover a variety of conduct. A top Milford risk of injury to a child lawyer can argue in your defense that your conduct did not fall within the purview of the statute.

What Are Some Situations That Can Warrant a Charge?

Situations that endanger the life, health, or morals of a minor under the age of 16 could be charged as Class C felonies. While this broad definition could apply to a vast number of circumstances, some of the more common examples include:

Driving recklessly while a minor is in the vehicle
Leaving a child unsupervised
Committing another crime while accompanied by a minor
Spanking or using other forms of physical discipline against a child

What Are Some Examples of Risk of Injury?

One clear prohibition concerns contact with the intimate body parts of a minor under the age of 16. Anyone who allegedly touches the intimate parts of a minor, or allows a minor to make contact the with intimate body parts of another minor, could face accusations of violating C.G.S. §53a-21(a)(2).

This offense is classified as a Class B felony. The potential penalties include a prison term of up to 20 years and a potential fine of up to $15,000. If the minor involved is under the age of 13, a conviction includes a mandatory five-year minimum prison sentence.

How Does This Offense Impact the Transfer of Custody?

Finally, under §53a-21(a)(3) of the Connecticut penal code, an individual may not transfer permanent custody of a minor under the age of 16 to anyone else in exchange for money or any other commodity or service. The “sale” of a minor in this manner could lead to charges of risk of injury to a minor. This offense is considered a Class C felony with penalties that include a prison sentence of up to 10 years. In addition, courts may impose a fine of up to $10,000.

Talk to a Milford Risk of Injury Attorney Today

In addition to the serious statutory penalties connected with risk of injury offenses, the charge could result in a lengthy investigation by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families. Such investigations can be intrusive and embarrassing and may result in children being removed from the home.