Abandonment of a child is a situation in which one has abandoned their child outside of legal adoption. It is also known as foundling. Those charged with this crime are likely to face serious criminal charges, though laws do vary by state. If a parent or legal guardian takes the child to some location where it is legally acceptable to leave a child, they may not be punished, under some state laws. For example, in the case of newborns, some states allow new parents to leave their child at a local hospital or with a police officer if they decide they cannot care for that child without fear of facing legal repercussions for doing so. Legal defense against abandonment of a child is often necessary.