Weston Risk of Injury to Minors Lawyer

Risk of injury to a minor is a serious crime in Connecticut, if convicted you could spend substantial time in prison, face heft fines, and deal with other consequences for the rest of your life. A Weston risk of injury to a minor lawyer could protect your rights, advise you on your options, and help you build a defense against the charges.

How is Risk of Injury to Minors Defined in Weston?

The offense of risk of injury to minors is governed by C.G.S. §53.21. The statute identifies three unique situations that could lead to your arrest. First, you could face arrest for causing or allowing a child under the age of 16 to be placed in a situation where their health or morals are likely to be impaired. Second, you could face arrest for having contact with the intimate parts of a child under the age of 16. Lastly, you cannot transfer custody of a child under the age of 16 in exchange for money or other value. Depending on your specific case, a Weston attorney could advise you on what specifically you are charged with.

How Serious is a Risk of Injury Arrest?

The first prong of this statute—putting a child at risk of injury or moral impairment—is intentionally broad. This section of the statute could apply to a variety of situations, including putting a child passenger in danger while driving recklessly or failing to care for the child’s basic needs. This offense is treated as a Class C felony under state law.

The second type of offense involving intimate touching carries the steepest penalties. This offense is considered a Class B felony in Connecticut. This offense requires the state to show that any contact with the child occurred in a sexual or indecent manner.

The third prong of the statute is also very specific. It involves the transfer or sale of a child’s physical or legal custody for money or any other thing that has intrinsic value. This could be anything from a motor vehicle to illicit drugs. Likewise, it is illegal to receive custody of a child when it resulted from a monetary exchange. This type of offense is a Class C misdemeanor.

What Are The Penalties of a Conviction?

The penalties associated with a conviction for risk of injury to minors depends on the specific part of the statute the state relied on to obtain a conviction. When this offense is charged as a Class C felony, a conviction brings up to $10,000 in fines and a prison term not to exceed 10 years. In cases that involve intimate contact with a child, a Class B felony conviction carries as many as 20 years in prison as well as a fine of no more than $15,000. Avoiding a conviction for risk of injury to minors could be possible with a Weston attorney.

Talk to a Weston Attorney about a Risk of Injury to Minors Arrest

A Weston risk of injury lawyer can help you stand up to the prosecution and fight for your rights. Check out the reviews of our firm from past clients by clicking this link, then call immediately to schedule a consultation.