Colleen Rimer was sentenced to five (5) to twenty (20) years in prison in connection with the death of her disabled son Jason and the physical abuse of her other children. Colleen and Stanley Rimer left their disabled 4-year-old in an SUV for 17 hours after the family returned from church one afternoon in the Summer of 2008. Jason was found dead in the car the next morning. The jury convicted the couple of Involuntary Manslaughter. They were also convicted of Child Abuse and Neglect for physically abusing their other children. Stanley Rimer was convicted of five (5) counts of Child Abuse and Neglect. Colleen Rimer was convicted on three (3) counts of Child Abuse and Neglect.
In Nevada, Abuse and Neglect is defined by NRS 200.508(4)(a), which states:
"'Abuse or neglect' means physical or mental injury of a
non-accidental nature, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, negligent treatment
or maltreatment of a child under the age of 18 years . . . under circumstances
which indicate that the child's health or welfare is harmed or threatened
with harm."
Mere corporal punishment or physical discipline is not considered child
abuse under Nevada law. However, if the child sustains an injury (even
a small bruise or abrasion) prosecutors sometimes charge a criminal offense.
Depending on the age of the child, the nature of the act and the severity
of the injury, punishments for child abuse or neglect vary dramatically.
The most serious forms of abuse or neglect are punishable by up to life
in prison. In addition, Child Abuse or Neglect charges can result in Child
Protective Services involvement, can make a person ineligible for educational
and employment opportunities, and can have devastating effects on child
custody matters.
If you or someone you know has been charged with Child Abuse, Child Neglect
or Child Endangerment, it is imperative that you contact a
Las Vegas Criminal Defense Attorney right away. The Las Vegas Criminal Defense Lawyer can assist you in analyzing
the facts of your case, identifying appropriate defenses and developing
the most aggressive defense strategy possible to protect your legal rights.