What can be considered child endangerment?

Child endangerment includes various situations that include an adult placing a child in danger either willfully or recklessly. While some states offer general laws that can expand to different circumstances, other states provide specific laws pertaining to specific actions.

What Constitutes Child Endangerment Situations?

Many states provide basic types of situations that might constitute child endangerment. These situations include:

• abandoning a child
• leaving very young children home alone
• leaving a child in a car unattended
• driving intoxicated or under the influence of drugs with a child in the vehicle
• serving alcohol to a child
• using or manufacturing drugs in the presence of a child

In some states domestic abuse against an adult is considered aggravated with enhanced penalties if a child is present to witness or hear the act.

Criminal Penalties

State laws vary regarding child endangerment. Some states may classify child endangerment as a felony while others may categorize it as a misdemeanor.  If the endangerment leads to actual injury, felony charges may be brought that incur long prison terms.

Civil Penalties

Civil lawsuits are also offered as penalties to child endangerment, especially if the child was injured. The ones seeking recompense may recover for medical expenses as well as other economic and non-economic damages.

Defending Against Child Endangerment Charges

You may be able to defend against child endangerment charges, especially if the charges are false. There are circumstances where embittered individuals, most likely involved in divorce proceedings, may accuse the other in order to gain leverage in custody disputes. Accusations may arise when adults misinterpret what a child has said. A defense attorney is especially needed to determine the veracity of claims through questioning and investigation of witnesses.

If you have been charged with child endangerment, you may face serious penalties including possible imprisonment. Talk with an experienced attorney to defend against possible prosecution and/or conviction.