Vermont § 1304 - Cruelty to a child
Full text of Vermont Vermont Statutes Online § 1304 — Cruelty to a child, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 1304. Cruelty to a child
- (a) A person over 16 years of age, having the custody, charge, or care of a child, who
willfully assaults, ill treats, neglects, or abandons or exposes such child, or causes
or procures such child to be assaulted, ill-treated, neglected, abandoned, or exposed,
in a manner to cause such child unnecessary suffering, or to endanger his or her health,
shall be imprisoned not more than two years or fined not more than $500.00, or both. (b)(1) If the child suffers death, or serious bodily injury as defined in subdivision 1021(2) of this title, or is subjected to sexual conduct as defined in subdivision 2821(2) of this title, the person shall be imprisoned not more than ten years or fined not more than $20,000.00,
or both. (2) It shall be an affirmative defense to a charge under this subsection (b), if proven
by a preponderance of the evidence, that the defendant engaged in the conduct set
forth in subsection (a) of this section because of a reasonable fear that he or she
or another person would suffer death, bodily injury, or serious bodily injury as defined
in section 1021 of this title, or sexual assault in violation of chapter 72 of this title. (c) The provisions of this section do not limit or restrict the prosecution for other
offenses arising out of the same conduct, nor shall it limit or restrict defenses
available under common law. (Amended 1971, No. 199 (Adj. Sess.), § 15; 2015, No. 60, § 25.)
Source: official Vermont text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Vermont § 1304
What does Vermont Statutes Online § 1304 cover?
Section 1304 ("Cruelty to a child") is part of the Vermont Statutes Online, the codified statutory law of Vermont. 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 Vermont § 1304?
A common citation format is "Vermont Statutes Online § 1304" (Vermont). 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 Vermont law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Vermont official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Vermont attorney.
How does Vermont § 1304 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Vermont 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 Vermont.