Newport News Risk of Injury to a Minor Cases

Legislation regarding the welfare of a child is typically strict. As a result, Newport news risk of injury to a minor cases can escalate quickly and a person who is accused of committing a risk of injury to a minor offense may incur significant legal penalties. If you were charged with such an offense, contact an aggressive risk of injury to a minor lawyer to begin building a credible defense.

Risk of Injury to a Minor Arrest Process

Depending on the circumstances that contributed to the charge, a person may be arrested immediately or whenever the report is received. The arrest procedure generally includes the accused being taken into the police station, issued the charges, processed, and taken for a bond. It is common for a person who is accused of harming a minor or leaving them vulnerable to harm to have a protective order issued against them. In such a case, the child may be removed from the alleged individual’s care or they may be disallowed from being with the child in an unsupervised environment. While these terms of a protective order can be frustrating for a parent or legal guardian, a skilled attorney who is familiar with Newport News risk of injury to a minor cases could fight to have the order dismissed or altered.

Investigating Authorities

In Virginia, investigations into the risk of injury to a minor charge are usually carried out by social services. They typically will investigate by speaking to the minor, the parents and other individuals who may have been involved during the alleged incident. These interviews are used to try to understand the situation and determine if the police should launch a criminal investigation. The prosecution is generally the party responsible for deciding whether a person will be charged with a misdemeanor or felony risk of injury to a minor offense. In most cases, if there is no injury or if the offense merely involves neglect in some way, it is considered a misdemeanor. However, if there is some sort of willful act or omission that could cause an injury and shows a reckless disregard for human life, that may be charged as a class six felony. Furthermore, if the action caused or allowed a serious injury, such as broken bones or severe burns, it is typically charged as a Class Four felony. This type of offense is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Criminal Court Process Associated with a Risk of Injury to a Minor Offense

Newport News risk of injury to a minor cases that constitute as misdemeanors are usually heard in the juvenile and domestic relations district court. Court procedures for felony charges are different. The preliminary hearing for a felony charge typically takes place in the juvenile and domestic relations district court, but the case is generally transferred to the circuit court of Virginia.

Contact a Credible Attorney to Defense Against Newport News Risk of Injury to a Minor Cases

If you were charged with any type of child endangerment offense, consult with a professional risk of injury to a minor lawyer. Retaining legal services from an attorney who understands Newport News risk of injury to a minor cases may significantly improve a person’s chance in court. Call today and set up a meeting to begin discussing your potential legal options.