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Over 17 years of experience
619-800-4449 760-201-9839

San Diego Child Endangerment Attorney

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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.

Why You Need a Child Endangerment Attorney?

Defending Against Child Endangerment and Child Abuse Charges – PC 273a & PC 273d

At the Law Office of Bradley Corbett, we understand that allegations of child endangerment or child abuse are some of the most serious charges a parent or caregiver can face. Under California Penal Code 273a and Penal Code 273d, individuals accused of harming or placing a child at risk may face felony or misdemeanor charges, jail time, criminal protective orders, and even intervention from Child Protective Services (CPS). So you will need a child endangerment attorney. Additionally, if you are charged with DUI with a child in the car, you could face enhanced penalties under California Vehicle Code 23572. With 18 years of experience aggressively defending clients in North County, San Diego, including daily appearances at the Vista courthouse, I have successfully helped many individuals fight these serious charges, protect their parental rights, and avoid life-changing consequences. If you are facing child endangerment or child abuse allegations, do not wait—contact us today for a free consultation.

Understanding Child Endangerment – Penal Code 273a

Under California Penal Code 273a, child endangerment occurs when a parent or caregiver willfully places a child in danger, allows harm, or creates conditions that could result in harm.

Examples of Child Endangerment (PC 273a) Cases We Defend:

  • Leaving a child in a dangerous situation (e.g., unattended in a hot car).
  • Driving under the influence (DUI) with a child in the car (see VC 23572 below).
  • Failing to provide necessary medical care, food, or shelter.
  • Allowing a child to be in the presence of drug use, violence, or firearms.

Penalties for Child Endangerment (PC 273a):

  • Misdemeanor child endangerment: Up to 1 year in county jail.
  • Felony child endangerment (if there is a risk of great bodily harm): Up to 6 years in state prison.
  • Fines up to $10,000.
  • Mandatory parenting classes, probation, and protective orders.
If CPS gets involved, they may seek to remove the child from the home, even before a conviction.

Understanding Child Abuse – Penal Code 273d

Under PC 273d, child abuse involves willfully inflicting cruel or inhumane punishment on a child, including physical discipline that results in injury.

Examples of Child Abuse (PC 273d) Cases We Defend:

  • Spanking or physical discipline that leaves visible marks.
  • A child falsely accusing a parent of hitting them out of anger or revenge.
  • Allegations made during a custody dispute where one parent tries to gain an advantage.

Penalties for Child Abuse (PC 273d):

  • Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail.
  • Felony: Up to 6 years in state prison.
  • Possible strikes under California’s Three Strikes Law.
A criminal protective order (CPO) may be issued, preventing you from having any contact with your child, even before your case goes to trial. DUI with a Child in the Car – Vehicle Code 23572 If you are arrested for DUI with a minor passenger (under 14 years old), you will face additional penalties under California Vehicle Code 23572:
  • First DUI offense: Additional 48 hours in jail.
  • Second DUI offense: Additional 10 days in jail.
  • Third DUI offense: Additional 30 days in jail.
  • Fourth DUI offense: Additional 90 days in jail.
Prosecutors may also file child endangerment charges (PC 273a), leading to even harsher consequences.

How We Defend Against Child Endangerment & Child Abuse Charges

At the Law Office of Bradley Corbett, we use aggressive defense strategies to fight false allegations, exaggerations, and misunderstandings as your child endangerment attorney.
  1. False Allegations – Proving the Accusations Are Untrue
  • Many child endangerment and abuse cases arise from false accusations, often during divorce or custody battles.
  • We investigate the motives behind the allegations and expose inconsistencies in the accuser’s story.
  1. Accidental Injuries – No Criminal Intent
  • Children are active and accident-prone—just because a child was injured does not mean it was abuse.
  • We use medical records, witness testimony, and expert analysis to show that no crime occurred.
  1. Parental Right to Discipline – Defending Lawful Punishment
  • California law allows parents to use reasonable discipline, such as spanking, as long as it does not cause serious injury.
  • If your discipline was lawful, we will fight to have your case dismissed.
  1. CPS Involvement – Protecting Your Parental Rights
  • If CPS has opened an investigation, we work to prevent unnecessary family separation.
  • We fight to overturn criminal protective orders (CPOs) that prevent you from seeing your child.
  1. Illegal Searches & Violations of Your Rights
  • If police or CPS violated your rights (e.g., unlawful search, coercion, or lack of due process), we file motions to suppress evidence and dismiss charges.

Why Choose the Law Office of Bradley Corbett ?

  • 18 years of experience successfully defending child endangerment and child abuse cases.
  • Aggressive legal strategies to challenge false accusations.
  • Daily presence at the Vista courthouse—familiarity with North County judges and prosecutors.
  • Proven track record of getting charges dismissed or reduced.
  • Personalized, compassionate defense—protecting your freedom and your family.
Bradley R. Corbett_Criminal Defense Attorney_Child Endangerment Attorney Contact Us Today – Protect Your Future & Your Family A child endangerment or child abuse charge can have devastating consequences, including jail time, loss of custody, and permanent damage to your reputation. You need an experienced and aggressive defense attorney who knows how to fight these allegations effectively. At the Law Office of Bradley Corbett, we have helped countless clients in San Diego County and North County, including Vista, Oceanside, Escondido, and Carlsbad, protect their rights and clear their names as child endangerment attorney.

Contact bradley 24/7 nights & weekends

Don’t wait until it is too late! Delaying or even denying yourself the counsel and strength we can provide you could have life changing consequences. Call us today and let an experienced San Diego criminal defense attorney help you protect your freedoms, life, and family.

Talk to Us Now

San Diego Office
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8880 Rio San Diego Dr. Suite 800 San Diego, CA 92108 Tel: (619) 800-4449
North County Office
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440 S Melrose Dr, Suite 204 Vista , CA 92081 Tel: (760) 201-9839
Temecula Office
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41593 Winchester Rd #200 Temecula, CA 92590 Tel: (951) 732-8611
Email: Bradley@Bradleycorbettlaw.com