Parents accused of child neglect often face one of the most frightening and stigmatizing charges in the criminal system, and a conviction can permanently alter their family and future. Some cases begin with allegations about inadequate food, shelter, medical care, or other necessities, while others may involve circumstances that are disputed or misunderstood.
A child neglect accusation in Redwood City, California, can trigger involvement from Child Protective Services, threaten your custody rights, and place your reputation in jeopardy long before any verdict. Understanding the charges you face and securing experienced defense counsel early is important.
Defendants can contact Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys at (650) 299-0500 to schedule a confidential case evaluation with a Redwood City child neglect defense lawyer.
Why Choose Ahmed & Sukaram Criminal Defense Attorneys for Help If You’re Arrested for Child Neglect in Redwood City, CA?
If you’re in Redwood City, CA, and facing child neglect charges, turn to Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys. When your freedom and family are both on the line, you don’t have to face domestic violence charges without experienced legal help.
Benefits of choosing our Redwood City domestic violence attorneys include:
- Attorneys with 30 years of combined experience defending clients throughout the Bay Area
- A California State Bar Certified Specialist in Criminal Law
- Experience handling thousands of criminal cases and more than 50 trials
- Recognition among the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and hundreds of five-star Google reviews from past clients
Our Redwood City criminal defense lawyers have the experience and knowledge to help you through one of the most difficult times of your life. Reach out today to schedule a confidential consultation.
What Are the Child Neglect Laws in California?
Child neglect may be charged under California Penal Code § 270, which makes it a crime for a parent of a minor child to willfully fail, without lawful excuse, to provide necessary clothing, food, shelter, medical attendance, or other remedial care. The statute applies regardless of whether the child’s parents are married or divorced.
To secure a conviction under Penal Code § 270, prosecutors must prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
The prosecution generally must establish that:
- The defendant was the parent of a minor child.
- The defendant willfully failed to provide necessary clothing, food, shelter, medical attendance, or other remedial care.
- The failure occurred without lawful excuse.
Other California laws, such as Penal Code § 273a, may apply when a person with care or custody of a child is accused of placing the child in dangerous circumstances. This is the state’s child endangerment law and applies to conduct involving unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering or circumstances in which a child’s health or safety is endangered.
More serious penalties can apply when the alleged conduct occurred under circumstances likely to produce great bodily harm or death.
What Are the Penalties for Child Neglect in Redwood City, California?
A violation of California Penal Code § 270 is generally punishable by a fine of up to $2,000, up to one year in county jail, or both.
A different sentencing provision may apply when parentage has already been finally established by a court, the parent has notice of that determination, and the parent later willfully fails, without lawful excuse, to provide the necessities required by the statute. In that situation, state prison time of one year and one day may be possible.
Penalties Under California Penal Code § 273a
Penalties under § 273a depend on the circumstances. When the alleged conduct occurs under conditions likely to produce great bodily harm or death, the offense may be punished by up to one year in county jail or by two, four, or six years in state prison.
When the circumstances are not likely to produce great bodily harm or death, the offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in county jail.
Child Neglect Charges and Child Protective Services
A criminal charge does not automatically mean your child will be removed from your home. California Child Protective Services states that its goal is to keep children in their homes when it is safe to do so.
If authorities determine that a child cannot safely remain at home, however, placement outside the home may become necessary. A criminal case and a CPS matter can also proceed simultaneously. Our Redwood City domestic violence lawyers can help you understand how decisions in one proceeding may affect the other.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Arrested for Child Neglect?
Because Penal Code § 270 requires a willful failure without lawful excuse, the facts surrounding the parent’s conduct are critical.
To defend against child neglect charges, legal strategy focuses on demonstrating that an alleged omission was not “willful” or that a “lawful excuse” existed. Because the statute hinges on these two factors, defense attorneys evaluate the specific family circumstances—such as financial hardship, illness, or job loss—to show that the parent’s inability to provide necessities stemmed from factors beyond their control rather than intentional neglect.
A Redwood City criminal defense attorney can review what happened, the family’s circumstances, and the evidence the prosecution intends to use.
Schedule a Confidential Case Evaluation With a Redwood City Child Neglect Defense Lawyer Today
A child neglect allegation does not always tell the whole story. Building a defense early can help preserve evidence, identify witnesses, and give your attorney time to address the prosecution’s allegations and any related CPS concerns.
Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys, can review the circumstances, explain your options, and determine how to respond to the charges against you. Call our office today to speak with a Redwood City child neglect defense attorney and schedule a confidential case evaluation.