We’ve all heard about children dying in hot cars after parents left them unattended. The cases usually receive national attention. Understandably so. Anything involving a child’s death is terribly tragic and sad.

Is it child abuse when a parent leaves a child unattended in a car?

The short answer: Not on the surface.

 

Colorado has no specific statute prohibiting parents from leaving their child unattended, in a car, home,

 

A number of crimes can be prosecuted at either the state or federal level, depending on the circumstances of the alleged offense and the discretion of federal prosecutors. The level at which you are charged is very important, since federal prosecution generally carries much more severe penalties, and crimes tend to be defined more stringently.

 

However, child abuse is a bit unique in this regard.

 

How so?

 

“Child abuser.”

 

When someone hits you with an accusation or charge for child abuse, this is what everyone sees when they look at you – regardless of what really happened.

 

If you find yourself in this situation, you can feel utterly defeated and trapped. In shock. Confused about what’s going to happen next.

 

It may not feel this way, but much of that is up to