Child Abuse Charges Can Destroy Your Life

Understanding Child Abuse Law in Colorado

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You Need an Experienced Denver Child Abuse Defense Attorney

Important: Child abuse charges can jeopardize custody of your children and result in a permanent criminal record that cannot be sealed. Never speak with law enforcement without legal counsel present.

We Provide Strong Defense and Protect Your Future

Being accused of child abuse is one of the most frightening and devastating experiences a person can face. The legal system, law enforcement, and society often presume guilt before you even have a chance to tell your side of the story. These charges don’t just threaten your freedom with years in prison—they threaten your family, your reputation, and your fundamental right to be a parent.

At Beck Law Office, we understand that innocent people get accused of child abuse due to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, or false allegations arising from domestic disputes. As a former Deputy District Attorney in Adams County, Attorney Lori Beck knows exactly how prosecutors build these cases and understands the evidence needed to challenge their claims. We provide compassionate representation while building an aggressive defense to protect your rights, your family, and your future.

Understanding Child Abuse Law in Colorado

Colorado’s legal definition of child abuse is broad and can be applied to many different situations. Understanding the specific conduct that can lead to these charges is crucial for your defense.

Legal Definition of Child Abuse

Under Colorado law, you can be charged with child abuse if you:

Cause an injury to a child’s life or health (including physical or emotional abuse)
Permit a child to be unreasonably placed in a situation that poses a threat of injury to their life or health
Engage in a continued pattern of conduct that results in malnourishment, lack of proper medical care, cruel punishment, mistreatment, or an accumulation of injuries

Third-Degree Assault

Third-degree assault is the least serious assault charge but still carries significant consequences.

Legal Elements:

Knowingly or recklessly causing bodily injury to another person, OR
Negligently causing bodily injury with a deadly weapon

Important: Third-degree assault does not require intent to harm—reckless or negligent behavior that causes injury is sufficient for conviction.

Penalties: Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 18 months in jail and/or fines up to $1,000

Common Child Abuse Charges in Colorado

Child abuse charges can arise from many different scenarios, including:

DUI/DWAI with a child in the car – Even a first-time DUI becomes a child abuse charge if a minor is present
Allowing a child’s presence near controlled substance manufacturing – Including methamphetamine or other illegal drug production
Physical or emotional abuse – Including injuries that may have been accidental
Failure to seek proper medical care – When a reasonable person would have sought treatment
Permitting a child to be present in a dangerous environment – Broadly interpreted by prosecutors
Female genital mutilation or circumcision – Cultural practices that violate Colorado law

The seriousness of your child abuse charge depends on the level of harm allegedly caused and your level of criminal intent that prosecutors claim to prove.

Understanding Child Abuse in Colorado

Child abuse is classified as an “extraordinary risk crime” in Colorado.
This means sentencing is harsher than standard felony guidelines.
Penalties vary based on injury severity, intent, and relationship with the child — ranging from misdemeanors to life imprisonment.

Penalties for Child Abuse

Charge	Classification	Penalty
Child Abuse Resulting in Death First-Degree Murder (child under 12, position of trust, knowingly acted)	Class 1 Felony	Life imprisonment without parole
Reckless Conduct	Class 2 Felony	8–24 years prison and/or $5,000–$1,000,000 fine
Criminal Negligence	Class 3 Felony	4–16 years prison and/or $3,000–$750,000 fine
Child Abuse Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury Knowing or Reckless	Class 3 Felony	4–16 years prison and/or $3,000–$750,000 fine
Criminal Negligence	Class 4 Felony	2–8 years prison and/or $2,000–$500,000 fine
Child Abuse Resulting in Minor or No Injury Knowing or Reckless	Class 1 Misdemeanor	Up to 18 months in jail and fines
Criminal Negligence	Class 2 Misdemeanor	Up to 12 months in jail and fines

— Child Abuse Charges in Colorado —

Understanding Criminal Intent Levels

Challenging Intent in Child Abuse Cases

The prosecutor must prove your level of intent to secure a conviction. We build defenses that challenge this critical element of their case.

"Knowingly" Committing Child Abuse

You were generally aware of the abusive nature of your conduct or the circumstances in which you allegedly committed an act against the child's well-being. Example: Deliberately striking a child knowing it will cause harm.

"Reckless" Child Abuse

You were aware of and chose to disregard a substantial and unjustifiable risk that your conduct could result in injury. Example: Leaving a young child alone in a running car during winter weather.

"Criminal Negligence" in Child Abuse

You failed to perceive a substantial and unjustifiable risk, demonstrating a gross deviation from the standard of care a reasonable person would exercise. Example: Failing to seek medical attention for a child's obvious serious injury.

The “Position of Trust” Enhancement

Being in a “position of trust” with a child significantly increases potential penalties.
Under Colorado law, you’re considered in a position of trust if you’re responsible for a child’s
physical and mental health, education, welfare, or supervision—no matter how briefly.

Individuals in a Position of Trust Include:

Parents, foster parents, and legal guardians
Teachers and school counselors
Daycare supervisors and babysitters
Doctors, nurses, or other healthcare professionals
Anyone temporarily caring for a child

This legal standard is incredibly broad and can apply to almost anyone who has temporary care of a child,
making it a critical element we challenge in your defense.

— Child Abuse Charges in Colorado —

Why You Need an Experienced Child Abuse Defense Attorney

Child abuse charges are among the most serious and emotionally charged cases in the criminal justice system. You need an attorney who understands the nuances of Colorado law and the high stakes involved.

Our Proven Defense Strategies

Challenging False Allegations: We thoroughly investigate motives behind accusations, especially in custody and divorce cases, to expose false claims and reveal the truth.
Medical Evidence Analysis: We work with independent medical experts to challenge forensic evidence and show injuries may have been accidental, pre-existing, or caused by medical conditions.
Proving Misunderstandings: We gather comprehensive evidence to demonstrate that injuries resulted from an accident, medical condition, or other innocent explanation—not abuse or neglect.
Expert Testimony: We hire leading experts in forensics, medicine, and child psychology to challenge the prosecution's case and provide credible alternative explanations.
Protecting Your Family: We fight aggressively to prevent loss of your parental rights and to maintain access to your children while your case is pending.

At Beck Law Office, former Deputy District Attorney Lori Beck combines prosecutorial insight with aggressive defense advocacy to protect families facing these devastating accusations.

The Stakes Are Too High to Handle Alone

Decades in prison and substantial fines
Mandatory supervision and court-ordered treatment programs
Permanent criminal record that cannot be sealed or expunged
Loss of gun rights and professional licenses
Loss of custody and fundamental parental rights
Lifetime registration requirements in some cases

The Prosecutor’s Advantage – Our Insider Knowledge

Insider knowledge of how prosecutors and social services caseworkers build child abuse cases
Deep understanding of what evidence is actually needed to prove intent, recklessness, or negligence
Experience analyzing complex medical evidence and expert witness testimony
Professional relationships with prosecutors and judges built over 24+ years of Colorado legal practice

Why Innocent People Get Accused of Child Abuse

Accusations of child abuse are not always what they seem. In our experience representing clients throughout Denver and Colorado, many cases arise from:

Misunderstandings

A child's injury may be entirely accidental, but medical professionals or caseworkers misinterpret the cause based on incomplete information.

Misinterpretation

A child's behavior, family dynamics, or living situation gets misunderstood as evidence of abuse or neglect by those unfamiliar with your family.

False Allegations

Accusations may be made maliciously during heated child custody battles, contentious divorce proceedings, or as acts of revenge by former partners or family members.

Medical Misdiagnosis

Some medical conditions can mimic abuse injuries, leading to wrongful accusations when healthcare providers lack complete medical histories.

The stakes are too high to hope that the truth will simply prevail on its own. You need an aggressive defense attorney to investigate the facts and challenge accusations that threaten to destroy your life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Abuse Charges in Colorado

How long do I have to respond to child abuse charges in Colorado?

You should contact an attorney immediately upon learning of an investigation or charges. Evidence preservation and early intervention are critical to building a strong defense.

Can I lose custody of my children before trial?

Yes, child protective services can seek emergency custody removal. We work aggressively to prevent this and fight for your parental rights throughout the process.

What if the alleged abuse was actually an accident?

Accidents happen, but prosecutors may still pursue charges. We gather evidence, witness testimony, and expert analysis to prove the incident was accidental and not criminal conduct.

Can child abuse charges be dropped in Colorado?

Yes, charges can be dismissed if we successfully challenge the evidence, prove innocence, or demonstrate prosecutorial misconduct. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes.

What should I do if social services contacts me?

Politely decline to speak without an attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you, even if you’re trying to help or explain the situation.

Don't Let an Accusation Destroy Your Future

Child abuse charges represent a battle for your freedom, your family, and your reputation. From the moment an accusation is made, the legal system and social services begin working to build a case against you. You need an equally powerful advocate on your side who understands the system from the inside.

Your freedom and your right to be a parent hang in the balance. Don’t trust these life-altering charges to an inexperienced attorney or attempt to handle them yourself. The sooner you secure experienced legal representation, the stronger your defense becomes.

Evidence disappears quickly in child abuse cases. Contact us immediately for a free, confidential consultation.