The Law Office of Jerome Paun Risk of Injury to a Minor Legal Counsel
In Connecticut, people can be charged with a felony crime known as "risk of injury to a minor," either as a standalone crime or in connection with other charges. Connecticut law enforcement officers and prosecutors take any type of alleged child abuse seriously. Therefore, if you are facing this particular charge, regardless of the circumstances, you need to take it seriously.
Generally speaking, this charge involves either endangering or impairing the health or morals of a minor (anyone under 16). Therefore, it can be used under any number of circumstances.
The alleged actions leading to this charge can include domestic issues such as spanking the child or being verbally or physically abusive to a child's parent. Someone can also be charged with this crime for allegedly not providing medical care to a child who is sick.
Certain behaviors when a child is present are also grounds for this charge. These include abusing alcohol or drugs, driving recklessly and behavior deemed to be immoral.
Of course, not surprisingly, those arrested for sexual abuse, indecent exposure and molestation can also be charged with risk of injury to a minor if someone under 16 is involved. Those charged with date rape and statutory rape may also face this charge.
Besides the risk of jail time, the loss of your job and damage to your reputation, people convicted of this crime could have their children taken away from them. That can occur if the Department of Children and Families believes they are in danger.
At The Law Office of Jerome Paun, we have 35 years of legal experience that we can put to work to help protect clients from the serious ramifications of this charge. An arrest does not have to mean a felony conviction. Depending on the circumstances, we can work to seek a reduction to a misdemeanor charge or dismissal.
If you or a loved one has been charged with risk of injury to a minor contact us today. We can schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and find out how we can help you.