Los Angeles Child Endangerment Attorney

Endangering the welfare of a child is the subjection of minor children to inappropriate or dangerous conditions. Child endangerment is an indirect form of child abuse and is aggressively prosecuted in most states. It is generally charged when a parent, guardian, or caretaker exposes a child to a dangerous or inappropriate situation.

Endangering the welfare of a child or child endangerment might be charged when:

• A parent drives their infant around in a car without a car seat
• A parent drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol with a child in the back seat
• A parent allows the child to be exposed to pornography or criminal activity
• A parent fails to obtain appropriate medical treatment for the child

Child endangerment investigations are a common occurrence. They are usually caused by the suspicions of a nosy neighbor, a disgruntled ex-spouse, or a professional required to report the suspicion to local child protective services or Law Enforcement agencies. These investigations, if not taken care of properly, can result in serious criminal charges. This is why you should involve a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer immediately.

California Law

For prosecutors to convict on Child Endangerment, they must show that:

• There was a condition or set of circumstances present that likely may produce great bodily harm or death to a child;
• The defendant intentionally inflicted or caused unwarranted mental or physical suffering on a child, or allowed it to happen while they child was in their care;
• The defendant exhibited criminal negligence (involving more than ordinary inattention or carelessness, an apparent lack of regard for human life, and a lack of recognition that their actions were likely to cause harm); and
• The defendant does not act while reasonably disciplining a child.

Allegations of child endangerment are serious and are aggressively prosecuted in Los Angeles. Depending on the circumstances of the case, a conviction can result in a range of harsh penalties. If no great bodily harm or death resulted from a child endangerment case, a person can be charged with a misdemeanor and face court fines and up to six months in jail. They may also be required to attend parenting classes. If a child suffers great bodily injury or death because of parental negligence, the parent can face either misdemeanor or felony charges, resulting in up to four years in prison. If a child’s death occurs, they may also face manslaughter or murder charges, which can lead to even lengthier prison sentences.

A child endangerment conviction can not only cost a person their freedom, but like other types of criminal convictions, it can jeopardize their futures. Convicted individuals may find themselves barred from future employment in certain fields, including nursing, child care, or education. A conviction can also affect any professional license issued in California and can have immigration consequences. In addition, a conviction can taint a person’s hard-earned reputation and make other areas of their personal lives more difficult.

Contact Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners for Help

Selecting the right criminal defense attorney for your domestic violence case is important. Many people facing these charges are decent hard-working people who made a mistake or a bad decision. Some people are falsely accused of child endangerment. You need an attorney from Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners who will hear your side of the story, help you protect your constitutional rights, and ensure there is a favorable result in your case. You can be confident in our ability to handle your case with the highest degree of skill and professionalism.

Remember, you are innocent until proven guilty. Allow Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners to protect your rights! Request a consultation with our Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys by calling (213) 481-6811.