Criminal Child Abuse Attorney Douglas County, Colorado| Kid Left in Car Results in Child Abuse Charges

Child Abuse, CRS 18-6-401, is a term that strikes fear into any parent. We never want to be associated with abusing our children. However, as a criminal attorney in Douglas County, Colorado I see good parents charged with Child Abuse regularly. Why? Because the parent makes the choice to leave their kids in the car while they run into the store. I want to help parents understand how these charges occur, what the police think about them, and what to do if you are contacted by the police for leaving your child in the car.

Children Left Unattended in a Car will Result in Child Abuse Charges in El Paso County

Child Abuse is a crime that can occur very quickly in El Paso County and Colorado Springs. We see many parents charged because they simply leave their children in a car for a short period of time. For Example, a parent might think that it would be easier to run these errands if “I just left my toddler strapped in while I run inside the grocery store”. What happens next is a passerby sees the child in the car. Then, they call the Colorado Springs Police Department. When the police arrive, the parent should contact a criminal defense lawyer. Instead, they will likely talk with the police and end up getting charged.

Castle Rock Police Department and Child Abuse Allegations

In Castle Rock, the police take Child Abuse allegations very seriously. Particularly, they will prosecute parents who leave their kid in a car. Their rationale is that a child could die from being left in a car on a hot or cold day. Some people might think that if they leave car running during the time they are away then the child will be safe from temperature concerns. However, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department will still charge you with Child Abuse in those circumstances. The police argue that if you leave your child in the car with the vehicle running, someone could come and kidnap your son and steal the car. Whether the car is on or off, you likely will be ticketed for leaving your child alone in the car.

Do I Need a Lawyer for Child Abuse Charges in Douglas County, Colorado?

If you are charged with Child Abuse for leaving your child unattended in a vehicle, you absolutely need a criminal lawyer in Douglas County to help you. This crime can be charged for any decision you make as a parent that a Parker Police officer thinks places your child in harm’s way. You will definitely be charged if you actually cause harm to your child. Regardless, an experienced criminal attorney will know how to fight the government’s allegations and get you the best result possible.