Los Angeles Child Endangerment Lawyer

If you are facing a wrongful accusation of child endangerment, secure a reliable attorney as soon as possible. Contact the Hurwitz Law Group office in Los Angeles today to schedule a consultation with one of our lawyers.

Anyone accused of a crime in California still has rights, and the Hurwitz Law Group is here to help protect those rights.

What Is Child Endangerment?

"Child endangerment" describes any act that puts the health and welfare of a child at risk. It is covered under California Penal Code 273(a).

If you're concerned after an accusation of child endangerment, talk to us. Child endangerment can include neglect, abandonment, abuse, and reckless driving with a child in the vehicle.

It covers leaving a child in an unsafe environment or the care of a known abuser. The penalties for child endangerment depend on several factors. They include the age of the children involved, the defendant's conduct during the incident in question, and the degree of harm suffered due to the defendant's actions.

The charge of child endangerment is a serious matter. Anyone facing unjust charges needs a reliable Los Angeles child endangerment lawyer. The team at Hurwitz Law Group in Los Angeles believes parents and guardians must know the California Penal Code.

Examples of Child Endangerment

Leaving a child in a car.

Leaving a child unattended in a vehicle, especially under extreme weather conditions, can lead to charges of child endangerment. This is due to the potential risk of harm from temperature extremes or lack of supervision. This type of criminal negligence can lead to stiff penalties.

Drug and alcohol exposure.

Exposing a child to illegal drug activities or severe alcohol misuse can be considered endangerment. This environment can impair a child's safety and well-being, leading to legal consequences.

Lack of supervision.

Failing to supervise a child adequately, which leads to them accessing dangerous items like firearms or knives, can result in child endangerment charges. Supervision is critical to prevent accidents and ensure child safety.

Physical abuse.

Inflicting physical harm or allowing someone else to harm a child can be classified as child endangerment. This includes hitting, burning, or any other physical action injuring the child. These child abuse cases are investigated comprehensively. It could even qualify as assault.

Inadequate living conditions.

Providing living conditions that are unsafe or unsanitary for children can also lead to endangerment charges. Examples include extreme filth or the presence of hazardous materials that can affect a child's health. The mental suffering caused by living in such conditions can be profound.

Emotional abuse.

Subjecting a child to emotional abuse, such as severe verbal threats, isolation, or terror, can be considered endangerment. Emotional well-being is vital for a child's development. Suspected child abuse is prosecuted vigorously.

Neglecting medical care.

Failing to provide needed medical treatment for a child can lead to charges of child endangerment. This includes failing to follow the medical advice of healthcare professionals, which can jeopardize the child's health.

The Consequences of a Conviction Are Serious

In California, a person is liable for all willful misconduct that leads to property damage, injury, or death of a child under the age of 18. Parents are also liable for their children's actions. For example, a child could cause a car accident while driving without his or her parents' permission.

The parents would be liable for medical expenses of up to $25,000 and possibly further damages. A parent who knowingly puts his or her child in a dangerous situation is liable for the resulting damages to other parties and injury to the child.

What You Should Do If Accused of Child Endangerment

1. Do not confront the accuser. Avoid discussing the accusation with the accuser or anyone directly involved, as this could escalate the situation or be used against you in court.
2. Contact a lawyer immediately. Secure a lawyer specializing in child endangerment cases to discuss your legal options and build your defense.
3. Document everything. Keep detailed records of anything related to the accusation, including times, dates, witnesses, and relevant communications.
4. Follow all court orders. If the court issues any orders, such as a temporary restraining order, follow them strictly to avoid additional charges.
5. Gather evidence and witnesses. Compile any evidence supporting your case and list witnesses who can testify regarding your parenting and character.
6. Stay calm and composed. Maintain your composure and cooperate with law enforcement and legal professionals. Showing agitation can negatively affect how authorities view your case.
7. Attend all required legal appointments. Make sure to attend all court appearances and meetings related to your case. Punctuality and presence can influence the court's perception of your commitment to resolving the matter.

Defining The Penalties For Child Endangerment Under California Law

Child endangerment charges will make it very hard for the offending parent or caregiver to maintain custody or contact with the child.

Additionally, offenders can face misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the severity of harm they cause to the child. California Penal Code Chapter 2, Section 273a outlines the punishments for child endangerment:

• A person who willfully and knowingly allows a child to remain in a dangerous situation where great bodily injury or death may result or who otherwise mortally endangers the health and safety of a child commits felony child neglect and could face up to one year in county jail or up to six years in state prison. Child Protective Services will also likely be involved.
• In any circumstances other than those that may cause great bodily harm or death, offenders will face misdemeanor child neglect charges, punishable by probation. The mandatory minimum probation period is 48 months, and the offender must complete a one-year child abuser's treatment program with the approval of the probation department.
• If the offender was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the offense. In that case, he or she must abstain from drugs and alcohol during the probation period, and a judge will likely require him or her to complete a substance abuse treatment program.

Individuals who receive convictions for either misdemeanor or felony child neglect will also face liability in civil claims from the families of the children affected by their actions.

Parents found guilty of child endangerment may lose visitation rights to their children or must complete specific rehabilitation courses before visitation can continue.

A record of child endangerment can also make it difficult for an offender to secure future employment in the school system, childcare facilities, or businesses that cater to children. Felony child abuse cases are prosecuted vigorously.

Defense Strategies We Can Use To Defend You Against Child Endangerment Charges

• Proving the allegations are false. We will investigate the credibility of the allegations against you and work to prove that they are unfounded. False accusations can arise from misunderstandings or malicious intent, which we will expose.
• Demonstrating adequate supervision and care. We will gather evidence showing you provided appropriate child supervision and care. Testimonies from witnesses and experts in childcare can support claims of responsible parenting.
• Highlighting lack of intent. We can argue that there was no intent to harm or endanger the child. Showing that any harm was unintentional can highly influence the case outcome.
• Negotiating lesser charges or penalties. If the evidence against you is substantial, negotiating for reduced charges or alternative penalties like counseling or parenting classes might be possible. This approach can help avoid harsher legal consequences.
• Challenging the legal basis of the charges. We will scrutinize the legal grounds of the charges, challenging any procedural errors or misinterpretations of the law. Ensuring that your legal rights were not violated during the investigation is critical to our defense strategy.

FAQs

What is child endangerment?

Child endangerment involves actions or failures that cause or could likely cause significant harm or risk to a child. This can include physical, emotional, or environmental harm.

How serious are child endangerment charges?

Child endangerment charges can vary from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the severity of the alleged endangerment. Convictions can lead to prison time, fines, and loss of custody.

Can I lose custody of my child if I'm convicted of child endangerment?

Yes, a conviction for child endangerment can result in losing custody of your child. The court may determine that you risk the child's well-being.

What should I do if I'm falsely accused of child endangerment?

If you are falsely accused of child endangerment, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately to protect your rights and begin building a defense.

How can a lawyer help if I'm accused of child endangerment?

A lawyer can help by providing legal representation, defending your rights, negotiating with prosecutors, and working to clear your name or reduce the penalties. They can manage the complexities of the legal system and ensure that your side of the story is heard.

Contact Our Los Angeles Child Endangerment Lawyer for a Free Case Consultation

At Hurwitz Law Group, we know that child abuse charges are serious. In some cases, you could even face felony child endangerment charges. A criminal conviction for any of these charges could change your life forever.

You need a strong child abuse defense lawyer who can defend your rights. Our case results and client reviews show why we are the right team for your case. Contact our criminal defense attorney today to schedule a free consultation.