Legal Question in Criminal Law in Colorado

Re: My kids are my life

If you tell the story accurately here, this charge should be dismissed by the city attorney's office. To be convicted of that ordinance, you must have willfully placed your child in jeopardy. From what you say here, it is obvious you didn't willfully let her out the door.

Go to your arraignment and tell the prosecutor how this happened and how frightened you were. I'm certain you've learned a lesson about locking your door or otherwise preventing your little girl from leaving without your knowledge.

If you get a reasonable prosecutor, I'm sure the case will be dismissed. If not, ask to continue the arraignment so you can seek counsel. Don't plead guilty to anything. You went through a terrifying experience which is punishment enough for a mistake. You shouldn't be further punished by the justice system, which is really inappropriate here on the face of what you say.

Good luck, and don't worry. You will not lose your children for this.