Child endangerment is a serious issue that can lead to steep criminal consequences. Any time a person charged with caring for a juvenile places them at risk of injury or death, the state could file charges. An Erlanger child endangerment lawyer could assist with defending against these allegations.
If you have been accused of putting a juvenile at risk, now is the time to seek legal help. Your strategy could be the difference between a conviction that follows you forever and a clean record. Call our skilled defense attorneys at Busald Funk Zevely today to discuss your options.
What Is Endangering the Welfare of a Minor?
This criminal statute is broadly worded in order to apply to a wide range of hazardous circumstances. This offense only applies to individuals—like parents or guardians—who are responsible for the care or custody of the child in question.
This offense applies to situations where an adult fails or refuses to take reasonable steps to prevent a child from becoming neglected, dependent, or delinquent. In other words, the statute covers both careless and intentional behavior.
According to Kentucky’s statute, neglected and abused have the same meaning. A child is abused when their health or welfare is put at risk in specific ways. This can involve allowing a juvenile to sustain physical or emotional harm that:
- Is not accidental
- Places them at risk of sexual abuse
- Fails to provide the basic support that children require from their parents
The state can seek a conviction for any number of circumstances. In some cases, an arrest might stem from allowing a child to be in the presence of illegal substances. Neglecting their basic needs might also result in a criminal prosecution.
Regardless of the circumstances, it is imperative that anyone accused of this crime seek out legal help right away. Our Erlanger child endangerment attorneys could help someone protect themselves from false accusations or unfair prosecutions.
The Penalty for Endangering the Welfare of a Child
Every criminal offense comes with consequences following a conviction. Because this crime is treated as a Class A misdemeanor, the penalties are not as steep as felonies. That does not mean they shouldn’t be taken seriously, however.
If convicted, a person could face as much as 12 months in county jail. A maximum monetary fine of $500 is also assessed on top of any court costs and fees. While the judge is unlikely to sentence someone to the maximum for a first-time offense, repeated convictions could have harsh consequences.
Other outcomes to consider include the potential for community service or probation that could last months or even years. Someone found guilty of this offense may also deal with damage to their reputation or struggle to find a job.
Having an endangerment conviction can also lead to disappointing outcomes in a Erlanger child custody case. Judges are required to award custody and visitation based on what is best for the juvenile, and they will likely take this mark on a parent’s criminal record into account.
Call an Erlanger Child Endangerment Attorney As Soon As Possible
If you have been arrested for the alleged neglect or mistreatment of a minor, you could be facing serious consequences. Having the support of legal counsel can improve your odds of a positive outcome. Reach out to an Erlanger child endangerment lawyer today to learn more.
