Felony Child Endangerment

Felony child endangerment is a child endangerment charge enhanced by aggravating circumstances. Child endangerment occurs when a person engages in conduct that places a child in imminent danger of death, bodily injury, or physical or mental impairment. This can be through an act or omission. Read on to learn more about felony child endangerment, the possible defensive strategies, and some of the consequences of a charge on child endangerment laws.

Learn more about what class felony is child endangerment. If you need further legal help, just enter your ZIP code below.

What is felony child endangerment?

For child endangerment to be elevated to a felony-level offense, states will look to two different aggravating factors. The first aggravating factor is intent. Child endangerment charges factor in that people can make mistakes. If the conduct by a defendant was merely negligent or reckless, he would only face a misdemeanor level of punishment. If his conduct was willful or intentional, then the defendant could face felonies on endangerment charges.

The second aggravating factor is the degree of risk: the higher the risk, the higher the charge. California and Ohio for example will increase the charge when the risk is likely to produce great bodily harm or death. Some states also increase a child endangerment charge when the child endures mental suffering. The risk of physical injury is not required. Some risks are presumed by statute. For example, if a defendant consumes controlled substances while in the presence of a child or drives with a child while intoxicated, some states will presume that the child was in some immediate danger of serious injury or death. Understanding the level of proof required for these elements is critical to developing an effective defensive theory.

What are defenses to a felony child endangerment charge?

Most states will make some exceptions for reasonable discipline. What is reasonable will turn on all of the facts surrounding the risk. The reasonable discipline defense tends to be more difficult to utilize when a child is placed in a higher degree of risk. As such, the better defensive theory usually involves negating the intent or degree of risk elements. For example, if a defendant can show that his conduct was merely negligent or reckless, he could obtain a reduction in charges from a felony child endangerment charge to a misdemeanor endangerment charge.

A defendant can mitigate the risk element by presenting testimony or an expert witness to show that the risk would not have resulted in great bodily injury or death. Evidence that will support this theory includes steps taken by the defendant to protect the child through the use of safety devices and established parenting rules that the child may not have followed.

What are some possible punishment and consequences?

Defendants charged with felony child endangerment face a higher range of punishment than a regular child endangerment allegation. The punishment range in most states is from two to twenty years. If a defendant has a relatively minimal criminal history, then probation is usually an option. Before accepting a probated sentence, a defendant should understand exactly what is involved in the conditions of probation. Some states impose minimum periods of jail time as a condition for the period of probation. This often comes as a surprise to defendants that accepted a probated plea to avoid jail time.

The second requirement of most child endangerment probations is the completion of an extensive parenting class. Failure to complete the course can result in a revocation of the probation of an individual and possibly affect parental rights if the victim involved was his minor child.

In addition to the felony child endangerment charge, defendants could also face additional criminal charges. Some states codify felony child endangerment is different ways. In Ohio, intoxication while driving is part of the felony child endangerment statute. Texas, however, creates a separate felony offense for driving while intoxicated when there is a minor child passenger. Instead of facing one felony charge, a defendant could be forced to defend multiple felony allegations.

Even though not a punishment listed in the penal code, felony child endangerment defendants usually face additional consequences on the civil side by an attack on their parental rights. An individual charged or convicted of child endangerment can have the rights to his children restricted or terminated depending on the severity of the endangerment.

What are some reckless child endangerment examples?

Here are some examples of child endangerment felonies:

• Taking a child in a car while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Leaving a child in a hot car
• Child neglect
• Failure to timely get emergency medical assistance
• Committing a crime while a child is with you (e.g., domestic abuse, robbery, manufacturing drugs)
• Buying alcohol for children
• Providing alcohol to underage drivers
• Leaving a child unsupervised in an unsafe area
• Child abandonment
• Leaving a child home alone without adult supervision or care
• Engaging in sexual activity in front of a child
• Domestic violence in front of the child

If a parents actions involve risk of harm, even if they don’t include specific acts of violence or physical pain, the risk alone can lead to felonies. The justice system does not take children at risk lightly.

Case Studies: Felony Child Endangerment

Case Study 1: Intent and Degree of Risk

Mark was charged with felony child endangerment after leaving his child unattended near a swimming pool. In this case, the prosecution had to establish that Mark’s conduct was willful or intentional, which would elevate the charge to a felony offense.

Additionally, the degree of risk played a crucial role. If the risk of death or serious bodily injury was present, the charge would be escalated. Understanding the elements of intent and degree of risk is essential when developing a defense strategy in felony child endangerment cases.

Case Study 2: Defenses and Mitigation

Jessica faced a felony child endangerment charge after an incident where her child was exposed to a hazardous environment. She had the opportunity to assert defenses to mitigate the charges. In many states, reasonable discipline can be considered a defense, but its applicability may vary depending on the specific circumstances.

Alternatively, challenging the intent or degree of risk elements can help reduce the charge from felony child endangerment to a misdemeanor offense. Exploring these defenses and presenting evidence to support them is crucial in achieving a favorable outcome.

Case Study 3: Punishment and Consequences

Michael was convicted of felony child endangerment after exposing his child to a dangerous situation. The punishment for felony child endangerment varies by state but generally ranges from two to twenty years. In some cases, probation may be an option, but it often comes with specific conditions, such as completing a parenting class.

Failure to comply with probation terms can result in revocation and potential implications on parental rights. It’s important to understand the potential criminal and civil consequences of a felony child endangerment conviction and seek appropriate legal counsel.