The law places significant responsibility on adults who care for or supervise children. When an adult places a child at risk of harm, the criminal consequences can be severe. In such cases, the support and guidance of our Butler child endangerment lawyer may be essential.
If prosecutors accuse you of endangering the welfare of a child, this is an appropriate time to explore your legal options. There are strategies to contest these charges or mitigate the consequences of a conviction, particularly when you have the assistance of our experienced defense attorneys. All of our lawyers are former prosecutors and, therefore, are uniquely and well-equipped to defend criminal cases.
In Pennsylvania, the law defines child endangerment as endangering the welfare of a child. Courts treat this offense very seriously, and it applies when a parent, guardian, or any adult responsible for a minor’s care puts that child’s safety or well-being at risk. The statute is broad and encompasses a wide range of conduct. It is important to remember that while these charges are serious, they do not always result in a conviction. The support of our Butler child abuse and neglect attorney could help secure a favorable outcome in your case.
The statute does not require that a child actually suffer harm before prosecutors file charges. Instead, prosecutors must show that the responsible adult knowingly placed the child in circumstances that threatened their welfare. This broad authority grants law enforcement and courts considerable discretion, which can sometimes result in charges even when a parent or caregiver never intended to cause harm.
Prosecutors may charge child endangerment as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity of the circumstances and whether there was a pattern of neglect or abuse. A conviction may result in jail time, probation, fines, loss of custody rights, and long-lasting damage to one’s reputation and future opportunities.
There are numerous situations where you may require the assistance of a Butler attorney with experience in child endangerment cases. While each case is unique, this offense often involves a recurring set of circumstances. At its core, this offense concerns placing a juvenile in a dangerous situation regardless of whether actual harm occurs. Some common examples include:
Our attorneys understand how to construct a strong defense in these cases. Contact us to discuss your options, and we can develop a tailored strategy specific to the details of your case.
The penalties for endangering the welfare of a child in Pennsylvania vary based on the circumstances. Prosecutors typically charge a first offense without aggravating factors as a first-degree misdemeanor, and courts can impose up to five years in prison and significant fines. If prosecutors establish a pattern of abuse or if the case involves serious risk or injury to the child, they may elevate the charge to a felony. A third-degree felony conviction can result in a sentence of up to 7 years in prison. In addition to jail time and fines, a conviction could also result in collateral consequences, such as the loss of voting rights or termination of employment. Our experienced child endangerment attorney in Butler could help you understand these penalties and build a strong defense.
If prosecutors accuse you of endangering the welfare of a minor, a conviction could lead to life-changing consequences for you and your family. Thankfully, you are entitled to a vigorous defense. Our attorneys draw on their experience to pursue the best possible result in your case.
Call today to speak with our Butler child endangerment lawyer.