Charles City Child Endangerment Lawyer
Criminal cases involving the endangerment of a child are serious and require immediate action. If undealt with, accused individuals could have their life negatively impacted upon conviction.
To avoid the serious consequences of a conviction, reach out to a seasoned domestic violence attorney for professional legal guidance. With the help of a Charles City child endangerment lawyer, you may be able to have your case resolved in a favorable manner. Schedule a consultation today to get started.
Misdemeanor Child Endangerment
Many child endangerment charges are filed as misdemeanors. Virginia Code Section 18.2-371 governs misdemeanor child endangerment cases. There are two ways a parent or other adult could commit child endangerment. The first – and most commonly cited – version occurs when an adult willfully contributes to a condition that leaves a child:
- Needing services
- Abused
- Needing supervision
- Neglected
The second form of child endangerment involves consensual sexual contact with a child of the age of fifteen, sixteen, or seventeen. This statute only applies to minors that are not the spouse, child, or grandchild of the accused.
Misdemeanor child endangerment is a Class 1 misdemeanor. A conviction could lead to up to a year in county jail, a maximum fine of $2,500, or a combination of the two. Due to the severity of these penalties, anyone facing a misdemeanor child endangerment charge should contact a Charles City attorney immediately.
Felony Child Endangerment in Charles City
Virginia Code Section 18.2-371.1 governs all felony child endangerment cases. An act qualifies as felony child endangerment when it is so gross and wanton that it demonstrates a reckless disregard for the life of a child. This statute applies not only to the parents, but any adult charged with caring for a minor.
One common example of felony child endangerment occurs when a parent or guardian fails to seek necessary medical treatment for a child. When the child suffers from a severe or life-threatening injury or illness, the parent’s failure to address their medical needs could lead to a felony arrest.
Another example of felony child endangerment could involve abandoning a minor over a long period of time. If a parent leaves a young child to fend for themselves for days or weeks, it could result in a felony case.
The penalties for felony child endangerment are extensive. As a Class 6 felony, it could result in a prison sentence of between one and five years. It also includes a maximum fine of no more than $2,500. While these penalties are steep, a Charles City child endangerment lawyer might be able to negotiate a felony to a misdemeanor in some cases.
Speak to a Charles City Child Endangerment Attorney as Soon as Possible
Due to the seriousness of the associated penalties, a child endangerment accusation should be met with immediate action.
A Charles City child endangerment lawyer could work with you to see your case dismissed. When that is impossible, your attorney could help you beat the charges at trial. To learn more, schedule your initial consultation as soon as possible.
