The shocking case involves allegations of torture
Recently, Riverside County police found 13 siblings, ranging in age from 2 to 29, chained in beds and severely malnourished. One of the children in the home, a 17 year old girl, had escaped the home and called 911 from a cell phone that she had found. She then told police that her siblings were being held captive by their parents. Police arrived to find the remaining children shackled to their beds with chains and padlocks, and malnourished to the point that even the adults appeared to be children.
The parents, David and Louise Turpin, were immediately arrested and each charged with 9 counts of torture and 10 counts of child endangerment. They are being held on a $9 million bail. The children were transported to the hospital and to the police station to give statements.
The case is shocking, and shows the horror that can often lurk behind closed doors. According to a Riverside criminal defense attorney , under California law, child endangerment occurs whenever someone causes or allows a child to suffer unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering, willfully causes or permits a child in their care to be injured, or willfully causes or permits a child to be placed in a dangerous situation. It does not require that any child to suffer an actual injury. It can be charged as a misdemeanor, unless it involves a risk of great bodily harm or death to a child; in that case, it can be charged as a felony. Misdemeanor child endangerment is punishable by up to one year in county jail, while felony child endangerment is punishable by up to 6 years in California state prison.
The Turpins have also been charged with torture. As a Riverside criminal defense attorney can explain, torture involves inflicting great bodily injury on another person with the intent to cause cruel or extreme pain and suffering, for the purpose of revenge, extortion, persuasion, or any sadistic purpose. Torture is a felony under California law. It is punishable by life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
While the Turpins may well be guilty of the crimes of child endangerment and torture, there are situations where a parent is falsely accused of these crimes or of child abuse. Having a highly skilled Riverside criminal defense attorney can help in these scenarios. Your lawyer can help you put together a factual and/or legal defense to the charges, and can work with you to achieve the best possible outcome to your case.
If you have been charged with a crime related to child abuse, you will need an aggressive defense attorney. Contact the Chambers Law Firm today to learn more about how we can help you. Initial consultations are always free: 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com.
