Free Consultations & We're Available 24/7

Call for a free consultation

212-300-5196

FEDERAL CRIMINAL LAWYERS

✓Nationwide Service. A+ Results.
✓Over 50 Years of Experience
✓Available 24/7
✓We Get Cases Dismissed

Talk To An Attorney

Service Oriented Law Firm

WE'RE A BOUTIQUE LAW FIRM.

Over 50 Years Experience

TRUST 50 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE.

Multiple Offices

WE SERVICE CLIENTS NATIONWIDE.

NJ CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

  • We offer payment plans, unlike other law firms, in order to make it so you can afford our services.
  • 99% of the criminal defense cases we handle end up with a better outcome.
  • We have over 50 years of experience handling criminal defense cases successfully.

99% Of Cases We Handle
End With a Better Outcome

View more case results







Child Endangerment Laws, Charges And Statute of Limitations

Child Endangerment: Legal Definition, Charges, and Defense

Understanding Child Endangerment

Child endangerment is a form of child abuse. If you put a child in a situation where they can be seriously hurt, then you can be charged with child endangerment. People who are charged with child endangerment often commit assault. However, you do not have to assault a child to put them in danger.

Elements of Child Endangerment

The purpose of punishing child endangerment is to prevent someone from doing something that can potentially hurt a child. In order for you to be charged with child endangerment, the relationship between you and the child has to be established. You cannot be charged with child endangerment if you did not have a responsibility to care for the child.

Who Can Be Charged

In addition to parents and grandparents, social workers, teachers and child care workers can also be charged with child endangerment. Anyone with a responsibility to care for a child may face charges if they endanger that child.

Deliberate Acts of Endangerment

When people think about child endangerment, they often think about a deliberate act that puts a child in danger. For example, a parent leaving a child in a hot car is an act of child endangerment.

Failure to Act

However, if a person fails to do something, then they can be charged with child endangerment. For example, if a child care worker does not give the child their required medication and they get sick as a result of this, then they can be charged with child endangerment.

No Actual Injury Required

It is also important to note that you do not have to hurt a child in order to be charged with child endangerment. If you put a child in a dangerous situation, then you may face a child endangerment charge. For example, if you are dealing drugs and have a child around, then you may get a child endangerment charge.

Punishment for Child Endangerment

There are several factors that will affect the punishment that you will get for child endangerment. This includes the place you live and the circumstances surrounding the child endangerment.

Jail Sentences

Jail sentences typically range from six months to 20 years, depending on the severity of the offense and jurisdiction.

Probation and Conditions

You may also receive probation. There may be several stipulations that come along with being put on probation. This includes things such as taking parenting classes and counseling.

Termination of Parental Rights

Furthermore, if you are the parent or guardian, then you may have your parental rights terminated.

Defenses to Child Endangerment

It is important for you to hire an attorney as soon as possible. The attorney will help you come up with the best defense possible.

Threat of Imminent Danger

The threat of imminent danger is one of the main defenses that can be used. What one person considers imminent danger may not necessarily be considered dangerous by another person. For example, a parent leaves their 13-year-old child at home alone for several hours. Someone may call this dangerous and irresponsible. Others may not see that as a problem.

Caregiver Status

The relationship between the child and caregiver is another defense that can be used. If you are not a caregiver, then you cannot be charged with child endangerment. You also cannot be charged with child endangerment if you were a caregiver in the past and no longer wish to be.

Safe Place Defense

You can also say that your child was in a safe place. This is a defense that many states have in order to prevent mothers from putting their unwanted children in dangerous locations. A parent can take the child to a hospital or fire station. There are also states that allow you to deliver older children to a safe place.

Statute of Limitations

The Statute of Limitations for child endangerment can vary greatly. This will depend on the type of crime that was committed against the child, the age of the child and the criminal history of the caregiver. The Statute of Limitations typically ranges from three to 10 years.

You need to hire an attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney will help protect your rights and represent you in court. They will fight the charges as soon as possible.

Request Free Consultation

Videos

Newspaper articles

Testimonial

Very diligent, organized associates; got my case dismissed. Hard working attorneys who can put up with your anxiousness. I was accused of robbing a gemstone dealer. Definitely A law group that lays out all possible options and best alternative routes. Recommended for sure.

- ROBIN, GUN CHARGES ROBIN

Get Free Advice About Your Case

Spodek Law Group

The Woolworth Building, New York, NY 10279

Phone

212-300-5196

Fax

212-300-6371

Spodek Law Group

35-37 36th St, Astoria, NY 11106

Phone

212-300-5196

Fax

212-300-6371

Spodek Law Group

195 Montague St., Brooklyn, NY 11201

Phone

212-300-5196

Fax

212-300-6371

Follow us on
Call Now