Every Connecticut Risk of Injury case triggers a Connecticut DCF investigation. A defense attorney can help in multiple ways when you are accused of risk of injury to a minor. They can help gather evidence to refute the criminal allegations, they can help you navigate the DCF investigation, and they can help argue for alternative or lesser penalties whenever possible. A top DCF lawyer who has handled risk of injury cases in the past can analyze your case and devise the best plan to get you a positive outcome in both your criminal case and DCF investigation.
Yes. DCF gets involved when there are concerns over potential child abuse or neglect. The police are mandatory reporters in the State of Connecticut, and if they respond to a call for risk of injury to a minor and fear that the child might be abused or neglected, they will call DCF to make a complaint. DCF will then begin an investigation very quickly. DCF is separate from the criminal court and the outcomes of a DCF investigation do not involve jail. DCF will either dismiss allegations or substantiate them. If they substantiate allegations, this can be hurtful in the criminal court.
No. Anything you say to DCF investigators can later be used against you in the DCF investigation and possibly even in a related criminal case. This is why understanding how to answer questions while protecting your rights is so important. A top Norwalk DCF investigations attorney can help you expect questions by going over commonly asked questions ahead of time, so you know how to best respond.
The definition of risk of injury to a minor in Connecticut can be found in Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) § 53-21. There are three different scenarios under which someone can be charged with risk of injury to a minor:
The first prong is rather broad, and the police have discretion to decide what does and does not constitute risk of injury at initial glance. Oftentimes, Stamford defense lawyers see this charged in addition to other crimes like possession of drugs, assault, etc.
Click here for specifics on how to handle a DCF investigation following a Stamford Risk of Injury arrest.
Yes, you can. Depending on the specifics of the arrest, Risk of Injury is either a class C felony or a class D felony. A Class C felony carries the potential for up to 10 years in jail and / or a fine of up to $10,000. A Class B felony carries the potential for up to 20 years in jail and / or a fine of up to $20,000.
If you are charged with having contact with the intimate parts of a minor under 13 years old, the penalty involves a 5 year mandatory minimum sentence, which means 5 years of the sentence cannot be suspended.
Mounting a defense to both your criminal case and DCF investigation are critical to preserving your freedom and reputation during a Stamford DCF investigation after a risk of injury to a minor arrest. Check out our certified reviews on Avvo.com. To learn more about how a lawyer can help in your specific situation, reach out to the lawyers at Mark Sherman Law today.
