Risk of Injury to a Minor Arrests in Stamford

To protect your rights and your future opportunities, it is a good idea to talk to a Stamford risk of injury to a minor arrest lawyer as soon as possible. A top defense lawyer who understands how local courts handle risk of injury cases can analyze the case against you, explain your options for defense, and fight to help you reach a positive outcome in the case.

What Situations Can Lead to an Arrest for Risk of Injury?

Risk of injury to a minor, sometimes referred to as child endangerment, is a crime that is defined very broadly under Connecticut General Statutes (“C.G.S.”) § 53-21. Police therefore have great latitude when deciding whether to arrest you for this offense. Moreover, prosecutors may have an easier time achieving a conviction than for other crimes where the definition of prohibited activities is more specific. Any situation that puts a minors physical health or safety at risk can be cause for arrest, as can situations that can impact a child’s morals.

How Does the State of Connecticut Define a Risk of Injury?

The crime of risk of injury to a minor is defined in C.G.S. §53-21. While there are three types of offenses for which you can be arrested under the statute, most cases involve the broadest category in subsection (a). You can be convicted of risk of injury if you deliberately or unlawfully allow a child under the age of 16 to be put in a situation that endangers the child’s life, health, or morals.

It can be argued that just about anything from video games to skateboards could impair morals or result in injury to a child. Therefore, a risk of injury to a minor arrest lawyer in Stamford will want to seek evidence to refute the allegations as forcefully as possible.

Are There Unique Situations Where I Can Be Charged?

An individual may also be convicted for risk of injury if they transfer custody of the child in exchange for money or if they have contact with the intimate body parts of a child. In the first two types of cases, risk of injury to a minor is penalized as a Class C felony punishable by up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. In cases involving sexual contact, the offense becomes a Class B felony and the maximum sentence doubles.

Will DCF Get Involved?

When the police charge risk of injury, the Department of Children and Families may also get involved if they believe the child has suffered or is suffering from physical or emotional abuse or neglect. To learn more about DCF investigations, click here.

Consult a Stamford Risk of Injury to a Minor Arrest Attorney

If you have been arrested for risk of injury, it is best to begin collecting evidence to build your defense as soon as possible. A knowledgeable Stamford risk of injury to a minor arrest lawyer could help with gathering and preserving evidence and formulating the best defense arguments to fight the charges. Contact Mark Sherman Law today.