Are you being charged with child endangerment in Redwood City, CA? Call Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys, to schedule a consultation at (650) 299-0500.
The law in these situations may seem overwhelming, especially with so much at stake for you and your family. A prosecutor may see your case as simple, but you have the opportunity to defend yourself and explain what really happened.
Our Redwood City child endangerment lawyers have experience handling these types of cases.
Why Choose Ahmed & Sukaram to Help Me if I’m Arrested for Child Endangerment in California?
The criminal justice system can feel overwhelming if you are facing child endangerment charges in Redwood City, California. At Ahmed & Sukaram, we center our practice around helping people who find themselves up against a complicated legal system.
Here are some reasons that clients turn to our Redwood City criminal defense attorneys:
- More than 30 years of combined legal experience
- Members of our legal team recognized by The National Trial Lawyers “Top 100” and Super Lawyers
- Record of winning over 3,000 cases
Hiring an experienced defense lawyer offers the support you need during this difficult time. Reach out to our law office to schedule a consultation with a Redwood City child endangerment lawyer.
An Overview of Child Endangerment in California
Under California’s child endangerment law, it is illegal to cause or allow a child to go through serious pain, emotional distress, or physical injury. The law also covers putting a child into a situation where there’s a real chance they could get badly hurt or killed.
The harm does not have to happen for a crime to exist — just putting a child in danger is enough. It doesn’t matter whether you have official custody of the child. Anyone who puts a child in jeopardy, either by actions or by failing to act, can face charges under this law.
Liability can occur in two different ways: if someone intentionally acts to endanger a child, or if someone’s behavior is so careless that a reasonable person would have known better.
What Are the Penalties for Child Endangerment in Redwood City, California?
California law takes child abuse cases seriously. The punishment depends on what happened and the level of risk of injury.
Misdemeanor Child Abuse Penalties
When an act of abuse happens, but it isn’t likely to seriously injure or endanger a child’s life, it is often treated as a misdemeanor. A conviction for misdemeanor child abuse can mean serving up to one year in county jail and/or a fine.
Felony Child Abuse Penalties
When the facts show that someone caused, or allowed a child to experience, unjustifiable pain or mental suffering, and the child was put in real danger of great bodily injury or death, then the consequences are more severe. This can be charged as a felony and could lead to up to six years in prison and/or a fine.
Probation and Additional Conditions
Whether you’re convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony, you face up to 48 months of probation as well, which includes:
- A protective order for the child involved, which also might keep you away from home or certain locations if the judge believes it is necessary
- Enrollment in a court-approved child abuser treatment program
If you or someone you know faces these charges, it’s important to understand the potential penalties so that you know what to expect.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for Child Endangerment?
If you are accused of child endangerment, it can feel overwhelming, but you always have a chance to defend yourself. Understanding these defenses may help you make informed decisions about your situation.
No Legal Responsibility for the Child
Sometimes, a person does not have a legal duty to care for the child in question. Without this duty, the actions toward that child may not meet the legal standard for endangerment.
False Accusation
There are situations where people face accusations based on wrong information, misunderstandings, or even retaliation. Your criminal defense lawyer can present evidence of ulterior motives or show alibi evidence to show that you had nothing to do with what happened.
Reasonable Parental Discipline
Not every form of discipline is unlawful. Reasonable actions, intended only for correcting behavior, can sometimes be used as a defense to this offense.
Facing charges of child endangerment is serious, but the law does provide these potential defenses as avenues to protect your rights. If you find yourself in this situation, consult a criminal lawyer immediately.
Schedule a Case Evaluation With Our Redwood City Child Endangerment Lawyers
You don’t have to stand alone against accusations of child endangerment. An experienced Redwood City defense lawyer can help guide you through each part of this process while protecting your future. With the right team on your side, you’ll be prepared for whatever the prosecutor throws at you.
Reach out to Ahmed & Sukaram to discuss your situation with a Redwood City child endangerment lawyer and learn what options you might have to get your life back on track.