Putting a child at risk of physical, emotional, or moral harm is a serious crime in Connecticut. This felony charge could lead to imprisonment, fines, community service, probation, and other punishment.

When a parent or guardian faces these charges, the Division of Children and Families (DCF) will open an investigation. DCF proceedings could lead to you losing your right to raise your child or even result in the child being placed in foster care and adopted by another family.

Contact a domestic violence attorney immediately if you are accused of exposing a child to danger. A Norwich risk of injury to a child lawyer at Ruane Attorneys could provide a strong defense to the charges and help you keep your family intact.

Explaining the Risk of Injury to a Child Statute

Under Connecticut General Statute §53-21, anyone with supervisory responsibilities for a child under 16 must avoid putting them at risk of harm. The law is written broadly, which gives police and prosecutors discretion over when to arrest or charge someone with this crime. Sometimes, seemingly minor incidents could lead to charges for risk of injury to a child. In these situations, the consequences could be severe if the accused does not work with an attorney who handles risk of injury to a child charges.

Types of Charges for Endangering a Child

There are three sections to the statute. The first section makes it illegal to put a child in danger of physical injury or moral harm. The second section deals with intimate or sexual behavior with someone under 16. The law prohibits physical contact with a child’s private parts or allowing a child to have contact with someone else’s private parts. The third section bans anyone from selling a child.

Putting a child at risk of harm is a Class C felony that could lead to a prison term. Having intimate physical contact with a child under 16 is a Class B felony, and if the child is under 13, a convicted offender must spend at least five years in prison. Permanently transferring the custody of a child in exchange for money is a Class C felony.

Accused of Putting a Child at Risk of Harm

Police, prosecutors, and others routinely err on the side of child protection. They could make an arrest or bring charges even when the child suffered no discernable harm. Authorities could bring charges in any of the following situations:

• Driving recklessly or while impaired with a child in the vehicle
• Domestic violence incidents while children are at home
• Excessive corporal punishment or cruel disciplinary measures
• Texting sexual messages to someone under 16
• Failing to seek timely medical care for a child
• Using illegal drugs or alcohol in a child’s presence
• Committing a crime in a child’s presence
• Having an unreasonably cluttered or dirty home

A Norwich attorney could tailor a defense to the specific risk of injury to a child charges. If the charge was added to another crime, resolving the underlying charges often results in a dismissal of the risk of injury charge. In other cases, a lawyer might argue that the child was never in actual danger of harm.

Charges Alleging Intimate Physical Contact

Charges alleging intimate physical contact with a minor are serious criminal offenses. The charge is a Class B felony, the second highest class of felony in Connecticut. An accused person faces up to 20 years in prison and mandatory sex offender registration. The charge carries mandatory prison time if the alleged victim was under 13.

These charges often arise from accusations, sometimes years after the alleged incident. A Norwich risk of injury to a child attorney could work to find discrepancies in the alleged victim’s account or challenge their motivation and credibility.

Consult a Norwich Attorney if You Face Risk of Injury to a Child Charges

When accused of endangering a child, you must act quickly to resolve the situation and protect your rights. Ruane Attorneys could help you clear the charge or negotiate the best possible outcome. Strong legal representation is key to preserving your future and preventing a conviction.

These charges could lead to severe consequences for you and your family, so do not try to combat them alone. Call a Norwich risk of injury to a child lawyer as soon as you are charged.