What happens if you are charged with child endangerment?
What happens if you are charged with child endangerment?
Child endangerment is a broad offense which covers the physical abuse, neglect or endangerment to the life or safety of a child. It can be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony. You could face several months or years in jail if you have been charged with child endangerment.
What happens if you leave your child in a car unattended?
Child Endangerment (California Penal Code Section 273a) Under certain circumstances, you could face charges of child endangerment if you leave a child unattended in a car. This is a far more serious crime than an infraction.
Can a parent get arrested for leaving their child home alone?
Alternatively, CPS may file a petition with a family court to have the child removed from the parent or parent’s care. It is extremely important for an individual to be familiar with the guidelines for the state in which they reside for leaving their child home alone.
What kind of charges can you face for leaving your child in a car?
PC 273a is as a “wobbler” offense, which means the prosecution can charge you with a felony or misdemeanor depending on the facts of your case. In situations where there was no willful act to cause a child to suffer great bodily injury, a misdemeanor charge is likely.
Can a parent be charged with child endangerment?
Every year, hundreds of parents are arrested for child endangerment for failing to take their children out of a vehicle. To most jurors, leaving a child in an unattended car would be considered an unreasonable risk that puts the child in harm’s way.
What is the definition of child endangerment in California?
Under Penal Code 273a PC, California law defines child endangerment as wilfully exposing a child under the age 18 to unjustifiable pain, suffering, or danger. A person can be charged for subjecting the child to an unreasonable risk of harm, even if the child never suffers actual physical harm.
How is child endangerment elevated to a felony?
For child endangerment to be elevated to a felony-level offense, states will look to two different aggravating factors. The first aggravating factor is intent. Child endangerment charges factor in that people can make mistakes. If the conduct by a defendant was merely negligent or reckless, he would only face a misdemeanor level of punishment.
When to contact an attorney for reckless child endangerment?
You should contact an attorney immediately if you have been charged with or have any legal questions regarding reckless child endangerment or other degrees of child endangerment.