Two people were arrested after a vehicle was allegedly stolen with a child still in the backseat. According to a KOAA news report, the car was parked at a 7-11 on South Union in Colorado Springs. The man and woman left the car running with the child inside to use the ATM in the store. The car was then allegedly stolen and left on Whitman road with the child inside, unharmed. The man and woman did not steal or kidnap the child, but they were arrested when police investigated the incident. The man faces charges of attempting to influence a public official and child abuse. The woman faces charges of obstruction and child abuse. Both had outstanding warrants.
This complicated case has so far only resulted in the arrest of the people who left the car running with a child inside. Depending on the circumstances of the case, leaving a child unattended can be considered a form of abuse. Under Colorado Statute 18-6-401: “A person commits child abuse if such person causes an injury to a child’s life or health, or permits a child to be unreasonably placed in a situation that poses a threat of injury to the child’s life or health, or engages in a continued pattern of conduct that results in malnourishment, lack of proper medical care, cruel punishment, mistreatment, or an accumulation of injuries.”
The most serious child abuse cases involve reckless behavior where the defendant knowingly caused the injury or unreasonably placed the child in a situation that posed a threat of injury. Whether or not a defendant will face misdemeanor or felony charges for abuse will depend on the criminal history of the defendant, the severity of the injuries suffered by the child, and the recklessness of the act that led to the arrest.
Abuse cases involving children can be extremely complicated and delicate. It is important to consider all possible explanations of what happened and the legal options available for the defendant. It is often possible to fight the charges, have evidence dismissed, and penalties reduced.
At The Bussey Law Firm P.C., we offer free and confidential case evaluations at (719) 475-2555 to anyone facing criminal charges in Colorado Springs. Please call our offices before discussing your case with the authorities.