Even Good, Caring Parents Can Be Charged With Child Endangerment

For many parents, the mere thought of being charged with child endangerment seems like a ridiculous notion. Loving, devoted parents such as themselves couldn’t possibly be charged with something so heinous, right? Actually, even good, caring, dedicated parents can be charged with child endangerment. And it is a serious allegation that warrants a skilled defense. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., top-rated California criminal defense attorneys successfully advocate on behalf of those accused of child endangerment. Our legal team has in-depth knowledge of California’s laws, and we are ready to answer your questions with a free consultation; contact our office at (800) 755-5174 or online.

Understanding Child Endangerment In California

Child endangerment refers to a criminal act that involves subjecting a minor child under the age of 18 years to a dangerous situation in which the minor is likely to suffer harm. The person subjecting the child to the situation does not need to be the child’s parent or guardian; anyone who has responsibility for the child’s well-being but fails to live up to this obligation by willingly or knowingly placing the child in harm’s way may be charged with child endangerment. Child endangerment may be charged in connection with other crimes, such as illegal drug use, assault, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI).

Child endangerment is a crime that entails putting a minor child under the age of 18 in a dangerous position where the minor is likely to be harmed. The individual putting the child in risk does not have to be the child’s parent or guardian; anybody who has responsibility for the child’s well-being but fails to meet that commitment by deliberately or knowingly putting the child in danger may be charged with child endangerment. Child endangerment can be charged with other offences such illegal drug usage, assault, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI).

According to California Penal Code 273a, child endangerment is defined as:

• When an adult causes a minor child to suffer unjustifiable physical pain
• When an adult causes a minor child to suffer unjustifiable mental anguish
• When an adult willfully causes or permits a minor child to sustain an injury
• When an adult willfully causes a minor child to be in a dangerous situation or permits it

Child endangerment charges can be based not only on an adult’s actions, but also their inaction. A failure to take preventative action to keep a child safe can be considered child endangerment. Charges of child endangerment might be predicated not just on an adult’s acts, but also on their inactivity. Child endangerment can be defined as the failure to take precautionary measures to keep a child safe.

Examples of child endangerment include the following and more:

• Not seeking medical attention for a child that is very sick
• Leaving a child in proximity to a dangerous weapon, where it is easily accessible to the child
• Leaving a minor child with an individual who is known to assault or abuse them
• Abandoning a child without adult supervision in an unsafe location
• Permitting a child to stay in a home without adult supervision or under the care of another minor child
• Willingly prohibiting a child from taking their prescribed medication

Schedule a Free, No-Obligation Consultation with a Skilled California Criminal Defense Attorney

If you or a loved one has been charged with child endangerment in the state of California, you do not want to take your chances with your defense. You want a skilled criminal defense attorney advocating on your behalf for the best possible outcome. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. have extensive experience handling child endangerment cases, with a track record of success. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today by calling our office at (800) 755-5174 or contacting us online.