College Station Child Endangerment Lawyer

As a parent or guardian of a minor child, you are obligated to avoid placing them in danger of harm. If the state believes you have abandoned or otherwise endangered the safety of a minor, they can bring criminal charges against you. Not only can a conviction lead to time behind bars, but it could also impact your rights as a parent.

If you have been accused of this behavior, a dedicated criminal defense attorney may be able to help. They could seek a positive outcome for your case, including dismissing all charges or making a reasonable plea offer. Let a College Station child endangerment lawyer review the case against you today and provide you with legal options.

What Constitutes Endangerment?

According to state law, child endangerment includes any conduct that places someone below the age of 15 at imminent risk of bodily injury, impairment, or death. For the state to obtain a conviction in these cases, they must provide evidence that the adult placed the juvenile at an unreasonable risk of harm.

Different circumstances frequently lead to these charges. A College Station child endangerment attorney could defend against any of the following allegations:

Exposure to Drugs

One of the most common situations that can lead to this charge is exposing a child to illegal drugs. This includes using or manufacturing substances like methamphetamine while a child is present.

Leaving a Child in a Hot Car

Few situations are more dangerous than leaving a small child in a hot vehicle. It is against the law for a minor to remain unsupervised in a car for more than five minutes unless someone aged 14 years or older is also inside.

Failure to Supervise

A critical aspect of caring for small children is monitoring them around dangerous household items. Failure to keep a child from accessing a swimming pool, a firearm, or some other hazard could lead to criminal charges.

Potential Penalties for a Conviction

Because child endangerment can cover a broad range of acts, there are several potential penalties following a conviction. Every case is different, with the circumstances determining the sentencing range.

Some cases are treated as a state jail felony, including a sentence of between 180 days and two years behind bars. This is the appropriate sentence when the risk of bodily injury or abandonment is present.

At the highest end of the spectrum, child endangerment is treated as a second-degree felony. Any time someone puts a child at risk of harm when a reasonable person would find that the circumstances are likely to lead to death, the maximum sentence is 20 years in prison.

It is essential to keep in mind that these penalties are only handed down following a conviction or guilty plea. With the assistance of a child endangerment lawyer in College Station, the accused could fight to overcome the case against them and walk away without any consequences.

Reach out to a Child Endangerment Attorney in College Station Today

If you have been accused of endangering or neglecting a minor, it is crucial to act quickly. The potential damage to your reputation and freedom in these cases is significant.

Do not delay scheduling a consultation with a College Station child endangerment lawyer. They could help you understand your legal options and start building your defense.