The term “child endangerment” applies to a wide range of alleged behaviors. A conviction can negatively impact the rest of your life. If you’ve been accused of child endangerment, please read on, then contact one of our experienced misdemeanor and felony attorneys in Bloomfield and Hartford, CT to learn what the penalties are for child endangerment in Connecticut.
What are the penalties for child endangerment in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, child endangerment, based on your case’s unique circumstances, can be classified either as a misdemeanor or as a felony. Misdemeanor child endangerment carries a penalty of up to one year in jail. Felony child endangerment, so-called because of your alleged “risk of injury to, or impairing the morals of children,” is classified as a Class C felony which carries a maximum jail sentence of 10 years, probation and a fine of up to $10,000. Given the severity of these consequences, you will definitely require the services of a qualified legal representative.
How is child endangerment defined in Connecticut?
Connecticut’s criminal code defines endangering the welfare of children the following way: Any person supervising the welfare of a child under the age of 18, be it a guardian, a parent or any other person, who violates duty of protection, support or care and thus knowingly endangers the child’s welfare is guilty of child endangerment. This also applies to any person who supervises or employs someone in charge of a child’s welfare. Examples of child endangerment are as follows:
- DUI with a child in the car
- Squalid home environment
- Doing illegal drugs in a child’s presence, or possessing illegal drugs in a child’s presence
- Not getting medical attention for a sick or injured child
- Allowing a child to ride, without safety restraint of some kind, on the back of an ATV or other open-air motor vehicle
- A fight with a spouse that accidentally injures a child
- Leaving a child unattended in a vehicle
How can I fight child endangerment charges?
Our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Bloomfield and Hartford, CT will argue that the child in question was not in imminent danger, you don’t fall in the category of parent, guardian or caregiver and, in the case of a newborn, you delivered the child to a safe haven. When taken out of context, any action seems suspicious or even criminal. You need quality legal representation to fight for you and your future.
Contact our Firm
Marc N. Needelman is an experienced attorney working throughout the state of Connecticut. If you need an attorney who is ready to fight for the financial compensation you deserve, please do not hesitate to contact us to set up a free initial consultation. Our firm deals with matters relating to real estate, personal injury, criminal defense, estate planning, and more.
