Frederick County Child Endangerment Lawyer

Risk of injury to a minor, or child endangerment, includes any activity where any a minor could suffer a quantifiable and avoidable injury. This does not include minor issues that might only require a bandage, but severe injuries and harm that might have lasting consequences or require medical attention. Allegations of risking injury to a minor are serious charges that could lead to severe repercussions without the help of a domestic violence lawyer. If you have been accused of putting youth at risk of injury, a Frederick County child endangerment lawyer could help defend your rights and build a strong defense case.

Common Types of Child Endangerment

Children may be at risk of injury, both mental and physical when they are placed in certain dangerous situations by a knowing adult. There is no difference between posing a risk of injury to the mental health of a child as opposed to the physical wellbeing of a child. The law makes no distinction and differentiation between whether either is actionable or can be prosecuted.

There is a specific charge for leaving a child unattended in a car in Frederick County depending on the age of the minor and the circumstances of the situation. Older minors may be able to stay in a vehicle and be just fine whereas a toddler in a sealed car in summer could be fatal. Depending on the specifics of the case, parents may never face charges of placing a minor at risk, but in other situations, it may be necessary to work with a Frederick County child endangerment lawyer.

What Happens After a Child Endangerment Arrest in Frederick County?

If somebody is arrested on child abuse and neglect charges in which there is an allegation of child endangerment, they will be transported to the local precinct, booked and processed, and appear before a commissioner. A commissioner is a type of public servant that makes a preliminary determination whether it is appropriate to release somebody and if so, under what conditions.

If the accused has been deemed release-eligible, they get released. If not, they will have a bail review in front of an actual district court judge to determine whether it is appropriate to release the person, what conditions are attached to that release, and if any monetary bond is required. Because endangering a child has a potential for great harm, the courts in Frederick County may require the accused to remain in jail, even with the help of a lawyer.

The Severity of Frederick County Child Endangerment Charges

The risk of injury to a minor is often charged as a misdemeanor, but it may be charged as a felony if certain aggravating factors are present. Some mitigating or aggravating factors that could impact the degree of a charge under risk of injury include the nature of underlying behavior. When a child is actually injured in Frederick County, it may actually qualify as an assault, battery, or child abuse charge whereas risk of injury to a child only requires that the child be endangered in some way. Even though there are some variations of charges involving children, that can be heard in the district court, virtually all cases are going to be sent to the circuit court for proceedings.

Consequences for Child Endangerment Convictions

A person convicted of child abuse or neglect charges where there was risk of injury to a child may face as much as several years of incarceration with up to five years of probation, as well as being labeled a convicted felon for life. As a convicted felon, the individual will lose their right to vote, own a firearm, and they may have a more difficult time finding employment or housing.

Not only that but if it is an individual’s own child, the Department of Social Services (DSS) often gets involved. If the parent is found to have been negligent or abusive to their child, they may be prohibited from seeing children or being around children under very limited circumstances for an extended period of time. If a parent is being investigated by social services or is already facing charges for child endangerment in Frederick County, they should immediately contact a skilled attorney for legal counsel.

Let an Attorney Help You Fight Child Endangerment Charges

Risking injury to a minor is not only bad for the child, but it could also lead to criminal consequences including prison, fines, and probation. If you have been accused of committing this crime, contact a dedicated Frederick County child endangerment lawyer. An attorney could apply their experience to create a defense strategy that gives you the best chance of a positive outcome. Call today to schedule your consultation.