State v. Amador-Hernandez

Summary

The court held that first-degree criminal mistreatment requires proof that a defendant knowingly or intentionally kept back food, physical care, or medical attention that the defendant was able to access and provide and that the dependent person needed for bodily health. The court further held that food withheld to the point of causing severe and chronic malnutrition, and dental care withheld despite severe problems causing serious pain or significant lasting effects, can satisfy the statute without proof of a specific purpose to punish or act cruelly. Applying those standards, the court found sufficient evidence to sustain both convictions. No separate opinions were filed.