Virginia law § 18.2-371.1 addresses the criminal penalties for abuse and neglect of children under 18, including causing serious injury or acting with reckless disregard for a child's safety. It also covers the legal considerations for abandoning infants at hospitals or emergency services. Penalties range from Class 4 to Class 6 felonies depending on the severity and circumstances of the act.
Child abuse includes willful acts or omissions that cause serious injury or neglect that endangers a child's health or life, with penalties depending on severity.
Causing serious injury to a child is classified as a Class 4 felony, which can result in significant fines and imprisonment.
Yes, parents who safely deliver their infants at hospitals or emergency services within the first 30 days of life may have an affirmative defense against certain charges.
Serious injury includes disfigurement, fractures, severe burns, mutilation, maiming, ingestion of dangerous substances, or life-threatening internal injuries.