Los Angeles Child Endangerment Attorney

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Last Updated on: 2nd October 2023, 06:52 pm

Los Angeles Child Endangerment Attorney

Being charged with child endangerment can be an incredibly stressful and frightening experience. As a parent, your top priority is protecting your child, so facing allegations of putting them in harm’s way can make you feel like your world is turning upside down.

That’s why it’s so important to have an experienced Los Angeles child endangerment attorney on your side. They understand these complex laws and can build the strongest defense for your unique situation.

What is Child Endangerment in California?

Child endangerment refers to conduct that puts a child at risk of physical or emotional harm. This covers a wide range of behavior, from obvious abuse to less clear-cut actions like leaving a child unattended or in an unsafe environment.

According to the California Penal Code Section 273a, child endangerment occurs when:

• You willfully caused or permitted a child to suffer unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering.
• You willfully caused or permitted a child to be injured.
• You willfully caused or permitted a child to be in a situation where their health was endangered.

Unlike child abuse charges, child endangerment does not require evidence of physical injury – simply putting a child at risk is enough. The “willfully” part also does not require intent to harm, just willfully engaging in the endangering act.

Common Examples of Child Endangerment

There are many scenarios that could lead to child endangerment charges in Los Angeles and throughout California. Some of the most common include:

• Leaving a child unattended – Parents have busy lives, but leaving a young child home alone or in a car unattended can cross the line into endangerment territory.
• Unsafe living conditions – Allowing children to live somewhere with health hazards like exposed wiring, mold, or accessible drugs/alcohol.
• Reckless driving – Operating a vehicle recklessly with children inside, like speeding, texting, or driving under the influence.
• Inadequate supervision – Failing to reasonably supervise a child during activities that carry substantial risk of injury.
• Access to weapons – Allowing children unsupervised access to firearms and other deadly weapons.
• Poor hygiene/nutrition – Failing to provide adequate food, shelter, clothing, bathing that threatens a child’s physical health.
• Exposure to domestic violence – Children witnessing violence between parents or caregivers can cause emotional harm.

This list just scratches the surface, but it covers some of the most frequently prosecuted child endangerment offenses in LA County and across California.

Penalties for Child Endangerment Convictions in California

The potential penalties for a child endangerment conviction largely depend on the specific circumstances of the case. Under California Penal Code Section 273a, the possible sentences include:

• Misdemeanor – Up to 1 year in county jail, a fine up to $1,000, or both.
• Felony – 2, 4, or 6 years in California state prison, a fine up to $10,000, or both.

Factors that can elevate child endangerment from a misdemeanor to a more serious felony charge include:

• The defendant has a prior child endangerment conviction.
• The endangerment resulted in great bodily injury or death.
• The defendant was criminally negligent in causing the endangerment.

It’s also possible for prosecutors to file additional charges on top of the child endangerment counts based on the circumstances, which can further increase the penalties if convicted.

Common Defenses Against Child Endangerment Charges

While child endangerment allegations should always be taken seriously, it doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t have strong defenses on your side. An experienced Los Angeles child endangerment lawyer will evaluate the prosecution’s case and identify any viable strategies to challenge the charges, such as:

• No actual endangerment – Argue there was no real risk of harm so no endangerment occurred.
• No criminal intent – The “willfully” standard requires proving you knew the action could harm your child.
• False allegations – Custody disputes, divorce, or other family conflicts can motivate false claims.
• Reasonable discipline – Corporal punishment that stays within legal limits is allowed under California law.
• Mistake of fact – You made a reasonable mistake regarding the child’s age, maturity, location, etc.

An experienced attorney will look at every angle of the case to figure out the best defense strategy for getting charges reduced or dismissed. Having a strong defense can make all the difference in the outcome.

The Importance of an Aggressive Los Angeles Child Endangerment Lawyer

Facing child endangerment charges can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. The right Los Angeles child endangerment attorney will be in your corner every step of the way.

An aggressive lawyer can intervene early, advocate for you during the investigation, negotiate with the prosecution, and challenge any constitutional violations. They will also assemble a defense team including investigators, experts, and witnesses to cast doubt on the allegations.

Most importantly, a knowledgeable attorney will guide you through the complex California laws and court proceedings around child endangerment. Navigating this area of criminal law is extremely difficult without legal representation.

Don’t leave your future in the hands of the prosecution – let an experienced child endangerment lawyer protect your rights and freedom.

Finding the Best Los Angeles Child Endangerment Lawyer for Your Case

If you or a loved one are under investigation or have been arrested for child endangerment in Los Angeles, it’s critical to act fast and find the right lawyer. Here are a few important tips:

• Look for an attorney with extensive experience specifically handling LA child endangerment cases – this area of law is very specialized.
• Make sure they have a proven track record of positive case results, such as dismissals, acquittals, and charge reductions.
• Find someone who makes you feel comfortable and gives your case the time and attention it deserves.
• Beware of lawyers making unrealistic promises – credible attorneys will be upfront about potential outcomes.
• Ask about their relationships with local prosecutors and judges – these connections can often help resolve cases favorably.

Don’t take chances with your future – a knowledgeable and aggressive child endangerment attorney can make all the difference.

Conclusion

Being accused of child endangerment can turn your life upside down, but an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney can help protect your rights. Take the allegations seriously but don’t panic – the right lawyer will thoroughly examine the prosecution’s evidence and build a strong defense on your behalf. Every case is different, but with an aggressive attorney fighting for you, there are always defense options. Don’t go through this alone – the stakes are too high – call a dedicated LA child endangerment lawyer today.