Child Abuse Reduced to Misdemeanor Hindering Prosecution 2011

Cindy CastilloSex Crimes, Case Successes

State v. Mr. C. (2011)

Practice Area: Felony Child Abuse

Date:  August 29, 2011

Outcome: Plea to Lesser Misdemeanor Charge

Description: Child Abuse/Domestic Violence – State v. Mr. C. (Maricopa County Superior Court Case No.  CR-2011006084):  Mr. C. was taking care of his partner’s two children while Mr. C’s partner was away on business.  Mr. C. was taking a nap when the two daughters were screaming in the hallway.  Mr. C. separated the girls and directed one of the daughters into the master bedroom where he had her stand in the corner.  Unbeknownst to Mr. C. when he directed the daughter into the corner, she hit her head on a metal hinge causing her to bleed.  Immediately upon realizing that the daughter was bleeding, Mr. C. treated the wound.  When the girls’ father returned, the father discussed with the children that it was best not to discuss the incident at school.  While at school, the same daughter collided with another girl during playtime.  Coincidentally, the daughter hit her head in the same area of where she had hit the door hinge.  A cold rag was placed on her wound, and she was sent home.  The next day, the daughter returned to school with a black eye.  CPS was called to investigate and later officers.  Mr. C. was arrested and charged with Child Abuse after he admitted to the door hinge incident at home.  After a thorough investigation, Ms. Castillo was able to show the assistant county attorney that the State would not be able to prove Mr. C. was responsible for the injury based on the fact that there was an intervening incident at the school.  The State agreed and offered Mr. C. to plead to hindering a prosecution, misdemeanor.