Child Endangerment in New York | What You Should Know

If you face charges of endangering the welfare of a child, please read on, then contact an experienced Rockland County criminal defense attorney to learn what you should know about child endangerment in New York.

How does New York define child endangerment?

The Family Court Act of the state of New York defines “child endangerment,” also known as child neglect or abuse, as the act, or failure to act, by any parent or caretaker that results in the death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation of a child under the age of 18. If your alleged conduct fits that definition and you sustain a conviction, you face up to 1 year of incarceration or 3 years of probation. That said, the consequences could exceed far beyond that point, leading to the denial of student loans, government benefits, employment opportunities, living in certain geographical areas and much much more.

What acts are considered child endangerment in New York?

The list of acts that could possibly be construed as child endangerment in the Empire State is long and varied. However, some of the most commonly encountered examples include:

  • Sexual contact with an underage person
  • Providing alcohol or drugs to an underage person
  • Driving while intoxicated with underage people in the car
  • Committing violence, including domestic violence, in the presence of a child
  • Dealing drugs in the presence of a child

Though prosecutors usually charge parents and guardians with this type of crime, it could extend to anyone who has any role in the safety of an underage person. Considering the potential consequences, you should reach out to Carl Spector, Esq. to honestly evaluate your case and plan a tailored defense strategy.

How do you defend against child endangerment?

A seasoned criminal defense attorney will tell you that often the strongest defense to this charge is to argue that you simply did not know and could not have known that your actions, or inaction, were likely to result in some form of damage to the child. A child falling victim to unforeseeable harm does not in itself constitute a crime because the United States legal system requires a higher standard for a conviction. We can get started on your case immediately, so please do not hesitate to give us a call today.

Contact our experienced Rockland County firm

Those facing criminal charges in New York need a strong Rockland County criminal defense attorney who knows the ins and outs of the criminal justice system. Fortunately, our firm is ready to put over 30 years of experience to work for you. Call today or contact The Law Office of Carl Spector online to schedule a free confidential consultation. We are ready to help you go on living life positively, happily, and free from the burdens of a criminal conviction–all you have to do is ask.