State v. Ms. K. (Maricopa County Superior Court No. 98-095353CR): Ms. K. brought her 10 week old infant into the hospital where doctors discovered he had from 5 broken ribs, a fractured femur, and fractures to each wrist, all approximately 1 week old. Ms. K. was initially the suspect, and was charged with very serious charges and facing years in prison. Ms. K. denied ever hurting her child, and we were able to show that the injuries were most likely caused by the baby’s father (who was not married to Ms. K.). Because the baby had been crying for days prior to her bringing him into the hospital, we were able to get the charges reduced to a low level child abuse for failure to seek immediate medical attention. Ms. K. was sentenced to probation with zero days jail. After she completed probation, the charge was designated as a Misdemeanor.
