New Canaan Child Abuse Lawyer
What is the Definition of Risk of Injury?
Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §46b-120 explains that a child abuse occurs anytime a child is determined to have:
- Physical injuries inflicted by means other than an accident
- Malnourishment
- Sexual molestation or exploitation
- Deprivation of necessities
- Emotional mistreatment
- Punishment by cruel means
Under C.G.S. § 53-21, Risk of Injury to a Child occurs anytime a person willfully or unlawfully causes or permits any child under the age of sixteen to be placed in a situation that the life or limb of such child is endangered, the health of such child is likely to be injured or the morals of a child are likely to be impaired, or does any act likely to impair the health or morals of a child.
As a New Canaan child abuse lawyer may advise, what one person believes to be a good parenting may be interpreted by another as irresponsible and negligent. It is quite possible for a neighbor to report you to the police simply because they do not agree with your parenting techniques.
When Can a Risk of Injury Charge Arise?
There are a wide range of incidents that could give rise to a risk of injury charge.
Police may charge parents, guardians, or others with leaving a child unsupervised, failing to report the disappearance of a child, or even sexual assault. For instance, if a teen decides to go on a diet and eats insufficient quantities of healthy food, that minor may be considered malnourished. Similarly, if a child is injured in embarrassing circumstances and gives a false account of how an injury occurred, that could technically be considered an instance of child abuse under the statute. A New Canaan child abuse attorney could present evidence to show that despite appearances, there is no call for a finding of abuse.
Risk of Injury to a Minor is a serious criminal charge, so representation by an experienced criminal defense lawyer is highly advisable in these situations.
Will the Department of Children and Families be Notified of my Arrest?
Most arrests for Risk of Injury to a minor will trigger an investigation by the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Dealing with DCF can be a lengthy and drawn-out process, often resulting in many restrictions on your or your family. A New Canaan attorney can help you navigate your child abuse case to get it closed as quickly as possible.
Call a New Canaan Child Abuse Attorney Today
Allegations of child abuse can trigger negative consequences right away, including an arrest and a DCF investigation. It is wise to take action to counter these effects as soon as possible. In addition, it is important to understand how to protect your rights so that you do not unintentionally forfeit them.
An experienced New Canaan child abuse lawyer can protect your family from invasive investigation tactics and to help avoid a criminal record following help prevent misstatements that could be used to support a finding of abuse or neglect. To learn more about the advantages our team could provide in your situation, call the attorneys at Mark Sherman Law for a consultation.