Tyreek Hill, a star wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs, is under investigation by police for alleged child abuse. Police reports indicate that a juvenile victim suffered injuries as a result of battery at Hill's Overland Park, Missouri home. The sports industry rumors allege that the victim was Hill's 3-year old son who suffered from a broken arm. Hill has a history of reported violence against family members. In 2014, Hill was arrested for choking and punching his pregnant girlfriend. The charges were later dropped. Hill was named one of the top NFL players in 2018 and has appeared in the Pro Bowl.

Domestic violence defense attorney Steve Karimi explains child abuse and the potential criminal charges that a parent can face when a child is injured or harmed in Washington state.

Child Abuse in Washington State

Child abuse is defined under state law as the injury to a child under the age of 18. Reports of child abuse are made by police, child care providers, professional school personnel, and state employees within specific governmental departments. When child abuse is reported, employees of Child Protective Services work with law enforcement officials to determine if there's enough evidence of harm to open an investigation. The police may file criminal charges against the parent and remove the child from the home with or without a court order. Child Protective Services will implement a family assessment response.

Physical Discipline

Physical discipline is an exception to child abuse if the punishment against the child is reasonable and moderate. The state presumes specific actions to be unreasonable against children, including, throwing, kicking, burning, punching, hitting a child under the age of three, or causing bodily harm greater than transient pain or minor temporary marks. The age, size, and condition of the child and the location of the injury is accounted for when determining whether the bodily harm is reasonable or moderate.

Criminal Mistreatment Charges

If a parent is found to have abused a child, the police may decide to file criminal charges. A criminal mistreatment charge is one of the types of charges that a parent may face. These charges are brought against a parent in instances where a child suffers from a physical injury or severe bodily harm such as a broken or fractured bone.

Domestic Violence and Children Charges

A parent can also face domestic violence charges for assaulting or injuring their child. In these situations, the court may order a parent to cease contact with the child while the charges are pending in court.

Contact Defense Attorney Steve Karimi

Attorney Steve Karimi is a skilled attorney who has dedicated his Seattle-based law practice to defending the rights of his wrongfully accused clients. As a former prosecutor, attorney Karimi knows how to build a strong defense against domestic violence and child abuse-related charges. If you've been charged with a crime in Washington involving a child, call Steve Karimi at his Seattle law office at (206) 621-8777 or contact him online for help.