Endangering the Life or Health of a Child Lawyers

The charge of endangering the life or health of a child is considered a crime. Aspects of the charge include permitting a child to be in a situation where the life or the health of the child could be in danger. A child is considered to be under the age of 18 in this instance. If the child is under the age of 6 and is left in a motor vehicle unattended, then the person could be charged with endangerment as well. The length of time that the child would need to be in the vehicle is 10 minutes before it’s considered endangerment. Charges can also be filed if there is not a person who is 14 or older in the vehicle or who has sight of the vehicle while a child is left in the car.

Sentences
The first charge is usually a Class A misdemeanor. If found guilty, the defendant could spend up to a year in jail. A second offense is usually classified as a Class 3 felony. The sentence for this charge is usually up to seven years. In the event that the child dies, then there is a minimum sentence of two years possible with a maximum of 10 years. Parents of the child could be sentenced to probation. If other offenses occur after the probation period, then jail time could be ordered.

Help Of An Attorney
Since the charge involves the well-being of a child, it’s important to seek the assistance of an attorney who can handle your case. When a child is a victim, then the possibility of a harsher sentence increases. An attorney will examine all of the details surrounding the charges as this type of case needs to be addressed with care. The age of the child is taken into consideration, especially regarding the testimony of the child in court. If the child is injured or dies, then the significance of the case increases.

Any witnesses are questioned along with other people who had a hand in the endangerment of the child. Sometimes, the child might not be allowed to testify in court against the defendant because of the relationship between the two parties. Younger children often aren’t placed on the witness stand. It is then that witness statements from other people involved and professionals, such as doctors or teachers, are taken into consideration. Medical examinations and statements from child protective services can be used in court as well.