Domestic Violence Call Leads to Multiple Charges
Last week Sandy Police were called to a report of domestic violence and when they arrived they found that more than just the spouse had been abused. When the police arrived on the scene they found found a female victim semi-conscious on the garage floor, as they investigated the claims of domestic violence they noticed that the couples two twin boys (6 years old) both had serious burns on their hands. Mike Leavitt, the father of the children had allegedly placed the boys’ hands under scalding hat water as a form of punishment. The twins were taken to Intermountian Burn Unit and treated for their injuries. Leavitt, on the other hand, was taken to jail. He has been charged with two counts of felony child abuse, three counts of reckless endangerment, and three counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child.
Utah Child Abuse Laws
In Utah, as in the rest of the country, child abuse crimes are very serious. Not only can a person be charged for injuring a child but also for allowing another to injure a child that is in your care or custody. In the case above the offender was convicted of felony child abuse because he caused serious physical injury, and he did it intentionally. The gravity of the charges depend on the level of injury created and the state of mind of the offender. On the other end of the spectrum if the offender does not create serious physical injury but simply inflict physical injury and does so with criminal negligence then he or she will be charged with a class C misdemeanor.
Utah Criminal Defense Attorney
No matter where you are in the state, if you have been charged with child abuse then the attorneys at Salcido Law Firm can help. Our experienced and dedicated lawyers will help you protect your rights and help you battle through this tough time. We realize that everyone makes mistakes and those willing to change should be given a chance to do so. Call us today to set up a free consultation.
