District Of Columbia § 22-1101 - Definition and penalty.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 22-1101 — Definition and penalty., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 22-1101. Definition and penalty.
22-1101A person commits the crime of cruelty to children in the first degree if that person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly tortures, beats, or otherwise willfully maltreats a child under 18 years of age or engages in conduct which creates a grave risk of bodily injury to a child, and thereby causes bodily injury.
A person commits the crime of cruelty to children in the second degree if that person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly:
Maltreats a child or engages in conduct which causes a grave risk of bodily injury to a child; or
Exposes a child, or aids and abets in exposing a child in any highway, street, field house, outhouse or other place, with intent to abandon the child.
Any person convicted of cruelty to children in the first degree shall be fined not more than $10,000 or be imprisoned not more than 15 years, or both.
Any person convicted of cruelty to children in the second degree shall be fined not more than the amount set forth in or be imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 22-1101
What does D.C. Code § 22-1101 cover?
Section 22-1101 ("Definition and penalty.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 22-1101?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 22-1101" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 22-1101 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.