What is the Definition of Risk of Injury to a Minor / CGS 53-21 in CT?
It’s a broad definition. And it’s broadly enforced by Greenwich CT police officers. It’s defined as engaging in any kind of conduct that puts a child under 16 years old at risk of physical or emotional harm.
This could mean leaving a child unattended in a hot car, getting into a violent or verbal argument in front of a child, or touching a child’s intimate parts.
Risk of Injury Charges in Connecticut – Contact with Intimate Parts
As the best Greenwich CT criminal lawyers can explain in greater detail, there is a subsection of C.G.S. 53-21 which prohibits contact with a child’s intimate body parts. This is a serious felony charge punishable by at least 10 years in jail and sex offender probation.
A Connecticut DCF Will Almost Always Be Triggered by a Risk of Injury Arrest
Once Greenwich Police arrest you for Risk of Injury / Child Endangerment under C.G.S. 53-21, you should expect a DCF investigator (out of DCF’s Norwalk office) to show up at your front door, unannounced. Greenwich Police are mandated reporters and are required by law to notify DCF, who will launch a 45-day child abuse or neglect investigation against you.
Do Not Talk to DCF Investigators without a Lawyer Present
No matter what the DCF investigator tells you, or how much they try and play down their investigation, understand they are a formal arm of Connecticut law enforcement. They have the power to take your kids out of your home and put them in foster care. That’s why you should not let DCF into your home or speak with a DCF investigator until you’ve had a chance to consult with a top Greenwich Connecticut DCF investigation lawyer.
Will DCF Report Me to the Connecticut Criminal Court?
Absolutely. The prosecutor and judge handling your Greenwich CT arrest for Risk of Injury will want feedback and reports from the DCF investigator handling your case. They go hand in hand. That’s why you need to make sure the DCF investigation is handled capably and efficiently.
Call a Greenwich Connecticut Risk of Injury / DCF Investigation Lawyer Today
If you’ve been charged or arrested in Greenwich Connecticut for Risk of Injury / Child Endangerment under C.G.S. 53-21, or are facing a DCF investigation, contact the DCF and criminal lawyers at Mark Sherman Law today. You can read certified client reviews from our prior Greenwich DCF and Risk of Injury clients about their experience with our firm. Then call us today at (203) 358-4700. We are available 24/7 to take your call.
