WHAT IS CHILD ENDANGERMENT?
Child endangerment is defined as willfully placing a child (age 18 and under) in danger, bodily harm, or mental harm. Child endangerment is a serious crime and can be associated with many behaviors. The charges associated with child endangerment can be either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity of the crime.
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WHAT IS CONSIDERED CHILD ENDANGERMENT?
The crime of child endangerment can encompass many behaviors. Below is a list of instances where child endangerment is occurring.
- Hitting a child
- Leaving a child in a hot car
- Not feeding your child
- Taking illegal drugs around children
- Mentally impairing your child in anyway
There are many, many more ways child endangerment can occur. Physical endangerment is what most people think about when the words “child endangerment” are heard. However, failing to do something can also be considered child endangerment. For example, if your child need medication, but you refuse to give it to them, you will be charged. Also, if you put your child in a “potentially dangerous” environment, you may be charged.
CONSEQUENCES OF CHILD ENDANGERMENT?
It was mentioned earlier that if you are accused of child endangerment, you will be charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony. If charged with a misdemeanor, the penalty could be up to one year in jail, four years of probation and a $1000 fine. If convicted of a felony, the charges are much more severe. A person charged with felony child endangerment could face up to six years in prison, a minimum of four years probation and a fine up to $10,000. If you have been charged with child endangerment, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to ensure your rights are protected.
LOCAL SAN DIEGO STORIES ABOUT CHILD ENDANGERMENT
In 2007, a Vista man, Jared Terrasas, pleaded guilty to child endangerment. Terrasas’ seven-month-old son died after being hit severely on the head. Terrasas was originally charged with murder, but because of insufficient evidence, the charge was dropped. Terrasas was charged with and pleaded guilty to child endangerment, for permitting his son to be in a dangerous situation.
If you have been charged with child endangerment, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to ensure your rights are protected.