Michigan Grad Student Charged with Child Abuse After Hitting Kids

Students of all ages come from far and wide to study at one of the University of Michigan’s prestigious graduate school programs. While many are fresh out of their undergraduate years, there are also others who have children, ultimately bringing them to campus while completing their studies. Just because a parent is a student or living on a college campus however, does not mean that they are exempt from dealing with Children’s Protective Services, should accusations arise. Ask any experienced children’s protective services defense lawyer in Michigan, being confronted by CPS for any reason is terrifying–child abuse charges could result in the loss of your parental rights or jail time.

One student involved in just such a situation is Gibeum Kim, 38, who is studying at the University of Michigan for his MBA. When the South Korean student traveled to Ann Arbor, he brought two children along with him, both under the age of 12. Allegedly, Kim had quite the temper, beating his children below the waist with a small baseball bat to punish them. The kids were rushed to the emergency room at the University of Michigan hospital, where medical analysis determined that they had sustained substantial bruising, among other injuries.

Law enforcement officials arrested the graduate student after the kids’ mother reported the incident to police. Charged with two counts of third-degree child abuse in Michigan, Kim could face two years in prison for each felony count if he is convicted. As the incident allegedly occurred in the university-owned Northwood Community Apartments, it is currently unknown whether he will also face disciplinary action from his graduate program as well.

It does not matter whether you are a student or not, being accused of child abuse is no laughing matter and brings with it serious legal consequences. Not only is the suspect’s parental rights at risk, but it is also possible to receive a lengthy jail sentence if convicted. Because of the serious consequences associated with child abuse charges, it is essential to pro-actively seek the best legal defense for your case. Contacting hard-working and knowledgeable child abuse defense attorneys in Michigan will help ensure that your case receives superior legal advice and legal representation, designed to keep you with your family and out of jail.