Prosecutors are typically aggressive in cases that involve alleged harm or the threat of harm to children. Given the gravity of these charges, it is essential to seek legal counsel immediately. A defense attorney could make a difference in the outcome of your case.

If you currently face accusations of child endangerment, your future could be in jeopardy. A conviction could have a dramatic impact on your life, your livelihood, your parental rights, and even your freedom. Consult with a New Britain child endangerment lawyer at Ruane Attorneys as soon as possible.

Risk of Injury to a Minor Charges

Unlike many jurisdictions, there is no criminal charge of “child endangerment” in New Britain. Instead, state law recognizes the offense as the “risk of injury to a minor.” This statute applies to a wide range of behavior likely to result in a serious injury to a child.

In order for the state to secure a conviction on risk of injury charges, they must establish beyond a reasonable doubt that the person accused of child endangerment has committed one of several specific acts. This statute widely applies to behaviors likely to result in an injury to a child.

Endangering the Life of a Child

The statute makes it a crime to willfully and knowingly endanger the life of a child under the age of 16. This broad wording could cover a range of actions, like abandoning a child or driving while impaired with a minor in the back seat.

Endangering a Child’s Health or Morals

It is also unlawful to place a child in a situation where their morals are likely to be impaired or their health is likely to be endangered. A child endangerment charge could also allege contact with a child’s genitals or subjecting a child to another person’s genitals.

Given the broad nature of the offense, child endangerment charges can vary significantly. In some cases, these charges involve forms of sexual abuse. In other scenarios, charges may relate to dangerous activities like driving while impaired. In any case, a New Britain child endangerment attorney could build a tailored defense.

Facing Multiple Charges for Putting a Child at Risk

It is not uncommon for a person to face other criminal charges following an arrest for child endangerment. Often, the act that endangers the health and safety of a minor child is a crime of its own accord. A New Britain lawyer could defend child endangerment charges and other criminal offenses resulting from the same incident. Some examples include:

• Driving while intoxicated with a child passenger
• Domestic violence in front of a child
• Committing theft in the presence of a child
• Possession of drugs near a child

If convicted of multiple counts, the penalties could be severe. In many cases, these convictions could result in jail time or steep fines, making it crucial for the accused person to seek help from a nearby child endangerment attorney.

Call a New Britain Child Endangerment Attorney as Soon as Possible

If you currently face allegations of putting a minor at risk of harm, now is the time to seek legal counsel. Do not wait for an arrest, as any delay in hiring an attorney could work against you.

These cases are often defendable. Reach out to a New Britain child endangerment lawyer at Ruane Attorneys today for a consultation about your case.