When can I be brought up on child endangerment charges?

Most people that have children are loving, caring parents who would do nearly anything to protect their kids. Sometimes people make bad choices, such as leaving a child unattended in a car. They may believe that it is easier or better to leaving a sleeping child undisturbed while they dash into the store to grab a few items. Nothing could be further from the truth and people may not be aware that their behavior constitutes a crime. They can be brought up on child endangerment charges for simply being drunk while watching young children.

Consequences For Your Actions

The primary purpose of child endangerment laws is to protect children from parents who may be a danger to themselves or others. While the specific laws in each state may vary, typical offenses may include:

• Exposing children to drugs, pornography or criminal activity of any kind
• Leaving a loaded firearm where the child could get access to it
• Failing to seek medical attention when the child requires treatment
• Leaving children unattended in a home or vehicle under a certain age, usually under 12 years old
• Failing to properly monitor babies or toddlers in the bathtub

Verbal threats to children stating that the parent intends to inflict serious harm may lead to child endangerment charges. Children that are left unsupervised or neglected may be removed from the parent’s custody while Child Protective Services conducts an investigation.

Being Charged With Endangering Children

While a parent may not be aware that their behavior has endangered their child, claiming ignorance is no excuse under the law. Child endangerment charges are serious and require the expertise of a criminal defense lawyer. It will up to the prosecutor’s office whether to pursue criminal charges and the case may depend upon the circumstances of the incident and whether the parent has a prior criminal record.