Child Endangerment Charges in California
Criminal law isn’t always black and white. So if you’re facing child endangerment charges in California, it’s important to know that having the right defense on your side can completely change the course of your situation and the ultimate outcome.
Handling any type of legal issues can be overwhelming, but the law offices of Bradley Corbett are here for you. We can help explain everything you need to know about child endangerment laws and the penalties for child endangerment in California.
What Is Child Endangerment?
Child endangerment is often used interchangeably with the term “child abuse,” but California’s penal code differentiates between the two terms. Child endangerment is described as purposefully causing pain, danger, or other types of suffering to any child under 18 years old.
Even if the child does not actually experience the pain or danger, a person could be charged with child endangerment just for placing a child at risk of such danger without a justified cause. Child endangerment might include physical pain, mental anguish, allowing a child to get injured, or putting a child in a very dangerous situation.
Examples of child endangerment include leaving a knife or gun where a child can access it, leaving a child with an abusive babysitter, or not getting medical treatment for a child who needs it.
Penalties for Child Endangerment in California
In California, this charge could be considered a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity of the case. If the child was at risk of death or serious physical injury, the crime is sometimes charged as a felony.
Penalties for a felony could include two, four, or six years in state prison and a maximum fine of $10,000. In the case of a misdemeanor charge, the penalty might include a year in county jail and a fine of $1,000. A defendant might also be sentenced with probation, a restraining order, counseling, or drug testing.
Defenses to Child Endangerment Charges
If you’ve been charged with child endangerment in California, a skilled lawyer can fight for a more favorable outcome. For example, the lawyer may be able to show evidence that the endangerment was not intentional or that the person had the right to discipline their child. Other defenses include proving that the endangerment didn’t actually occur, that the defendant should not be held responsible for the child, or that the person didn’t cause the child any danger.
Contact the Law Offices of Bradley Corbett Today
Don’t spend any more time handling your child endangerment charges on your own. The Law Offices of Bradley Corbett are eager to help fight for your best interests. Make sure you have the best criminal defense lawyer on your side by contacting us today. We’ll build a sound defense and use our years of experience to make sure you’re treated with the fairness you deserve.