Stamford Risk of Injury to a Minor Lawyer

Circumstances that may seem quite innocent can sometimes give rise to serious criminal charges when children are involved or even in your vicinity. In order to protect minors, Connecticut laws are written and interpreted quite broadly when it comes to situations that might pose a risk of injury. Getting arrested in Stamford for risk of injury to children is a felony crime with the potential for lengthy prison sentences and steep fines.

Those charged with this crime are strongly advised to contact a Stamford risk of injury to a minor lawyer without delay to start taking steps toward working to the best possible resolution of the case. An experienced defense attorney can best help protect their client’s rights during a case.

Risk of Injury Arrest May Arise

The statute governing risk of injury to minors in Connecticut outlines four separate criminal offenses. Because some of these offenses are described in broad terms, violations can arise from a wide variety of circumstances. Some situations which may require the attention of a Stamford risk of injury to a minor attorney include:

  • A minor child left without adequate supervision
  • Driving a child in a vehicle stopped for Reckless Driving or DUI
  • Excessive physical discipline of a child
  • A child exposed to pornographic images
  • A child engaged in dangerous horseplay
  • When an adult is caught committing a crime in the presence of their child

Felony Classification

Risk of injury to minors lawyers in Stamford understand that many criminal arrests in Stamford are based on violations of the Connecticut code, which are considered Class C felonies. This section makes it a crime to place minors under the age of 16 in a situation that is likely to endanger their health or impair their morals. This includes mental health as well as physical health.

This sweeping prohibition covers a wide range of situations and the way that the facts of a case are presented to the Stamford criminal court can have a huge impact as to whether a situation is determined to pose a risk of injury. Therefore, it is critical to ensure that the case is investigated fully and the situation is presented in the most favorable light possible.

Those found guilty of this subdivision of risk of injury may be sentenced to up to ten years in prison and be fined up to $10,000.

Inappropriate Contact

Adults found to have had physical contact with the intimate body parts of a minor or to have exposed the minor to contact with their own intimate parts “in a sexual and indecent manner likely to impair the health or morals of such child” can be arrested and charged in Stamford with risk of injury and it is a Class B felony.

This offense carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000 making it extremely important that a Stamford risk of injury to a minor attorney is contacted.

Failure to Report Abuse to DCF

This newly enacted subdivision of the risk of injury law statute also makes it a felony to “intentionally and unreasonably” prevent or interfere with reporting of a case of suspected child abuse or neglect.

This offense is treated as a Class D felony and the offender may face up to five years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000.

Contacting a Stamford Risk of Injury Attorney

Charges involving risk of injury to minors are all very serious. When you contact an experienced Stamford risk of injury to a minor lawyer, your attorney will explain the charges and the procedures involved, can help ensure that your case is investigated fully, and will work with you and your family to build the best possible defense.

So if you are facing charges involving risk of injury in Connecticut, contact a Stamford risk of injury to a minor lawyer now to understand your charges and to start building your best defense.

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