Adults caring for children are legally responsible for ensuring they are safe from unreasonably hazardous situations. When they fail to protect them, they could face charges of endangerment. Cases can result from many actions, and convictions can have lasting consequences on your life, which is why you should work with a seasoned criminal defense attorney like John Arrascada.
An arrest for child endangerment is a severe offense and involves placing children in situations where they risk serious harm. Contact a Reno child endangerment lawyer today to schedule a consultation and learn more.
Child endangerment charges can result from actions including abuse or neglect, which places minors under 18 at unnecessary risk of injury. Per the guidelines of the Nevada Revised Statute § 200.508, anyone who willfully places a minor at risk of suffering physical, mental, or emotional harm is guilty of child endangerment. The actions must be intentional and unjustifiable and cannot result from reasonable actions to discipline.
Some examples of reasons for arrests under the statute include:
The penalties depend on the circumstances of the arrests.
Child endangerment cases resulting in a gross misdemeanor may include penalties of up to $2,000 in fines and one year in jail. Those convicted of more serious charges and a Category B felony could spend one to six years in prison for unintentionally placing them at risk and up to 20 years for deliberately endangering the safety of children. A knowledgeable Reno child endangerment attorney can answer questions about the charges and potential penalties.
State criminal statutes require the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt; without sufficient evidence, they must return a not-guilty verdict. The proper defense strategy against child endangerment charges depends on the case specifics.
A false allegations defense must show the court that the alleged defendant is innocent of the charges they face and that the charges against them are untrue. An example includes claims made during divorce and custody battles.
Lack of evidence is also an option when there is not enough evidence to support that the alleged defendant’s actions or lack of actions placed the child in danger. An example is a parent or guardian charged with leaving a young child in an unattended car.
When video footage of the event shows the parent ran into the establishment momentarily, and the vehicle was parked in a safe location where the child was not endangered. Therefore, the parent is not guilty of intentionally or recklessly exposing their child to danger.
Accident is another possible defense strategy against the charges. The case may establish that the alleged defendant’s actions were accidental rather than reckless, intentional, or negligent. After reviewing the case specifics, a child endangerment lawyer in Reno can help determine the most effective strategy and gather the evidence to overcome the charges.
You must take the case seriously if you are under investigation or face child endangerment charges in Nevada. A qualified Reno child endangerment lawyer will fight for your rights and help you reach the best potential outcome.
Call soon to schedule an appointment and get started. Mr. Arrascada is a highly skilled and respected attorney who crafts defense strategies to assist his clients artfully.
(775) 310-0084 