Child Endangerment Defense Lawyers in Hamilton Defend Clients in Mercer County, Middlesex County, Camden County, and Throughout NJ
In New Jersey, charges for endangering the welfare of a child are taken quite seriously. The consequences of a conviction can be devastating. These charges carry the possibility of lengthy prison terms as well as fines that can amount to tens of thousands of dollars. If the charges involve sexual misconduct, you may be required to register as a sex offender and face a lifetime of community supervision. With so much at risk, you will need the services of skilled and experienced New Jersey child endangerment attorneys to fight for your rights and protect your freedom and future.
The attorneys at Davis Law Firm, LLC are committed to defending the rights of those accused of crimes in New Jersey. We have extensive experience defending those accused of endangering the welfare of children. Our team comprises knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced lawyers who have a track record of great success. We will work tirelessly to defend your rights and protect your freedom and future.
Contact us now to schedule a consultation with our child endangerment defense lawyers in Hamilton, NJ. We are available to review your case and determine the best approach to take in order to secure the best outcome.
What is Endangering the Welfare of a Child in New Jersey Acoording to New Jersey Child Endangerment Attorneys?
There are many forms of misconduct that are considered violations of the New Jersey Endangering the Welfare of a Child statute. Some examples of abuse and neglect charges include:
- Sexual abuse
- Physical assault
- Molestation
- Abandonment
- Isolation
- Statutory rape
- Manufacturing or selling drugs in a home with minors
- Cruelty
- Child pornography
Charges Based on Sexual Conduct
These include charges that involve sexual conduct. The term ‘sexual conduct’ covers a wide range of acts, including kissing and hugging a child for sexual gratification, having intercourse in the presence of a minor, showing a child materials with a sexual context, instructing or asking a child to masturbate, rape, sexual abuse, and acts of lewdness in the presence of a child.
Sexual conduct is the main factor in the endangerment of a child based on sexual conduct. However, other elements must be established. These include:
- The accused engaged in sexual conduct
- The accused’s conduct debauched or impaired the morals of the child
- The accused carried out their actions knowingly.
A person who is considered responsible for a child (e.g., a parent or guardian) and is found guilty of endangerment based on sexual conduct is guilty of a second-degree indictable offense. They face up to ten years in New Jersey State Prison. They must also be registered as sex offenders. Persons who do not have a legal duty to care for a child and are found guilty of the above charges are guilty of a third-degree indictable offense. This carries up to five years of imprisonment and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
Charges-Based Non-Sexual Conduct
These are charges for neglect or abuse that do not include sexual conduct. They may include inflicting physical injuries on a child, failing to provide adequate shelter, food, clothing, and medical care when capable of doing so, failing to supervise a child, e.g., leaving them unattended in a car, or exposing a child to substantial risk, e.g., when driving under the influence with a child in the vehicle.
A person with a legal duty to care for a child who has been found guilty of endangerment is guilty of a second-degree crime. A person who does not have a legal duty to care for a child but has been found guilty of causing harm or neglecting a child is guilty of a third-degree indictable offense.
Child Pornography
Charges for endangering child welfare involving the possession of child pornography are categorized as fourth-degree crimes. Charges that involve the manufacture, distribution, and sale of child pornography or the filming of children engaging in sexual acts are more serious. They are categorized as second-degree crimes, which are punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and mandatory registration as an offender.
Contact Davis Law Firm, LLC for Representation By Skilled and Experienced New Jersey Child Endangerment Attorneys
Child endangerment charges in New Jersey can have serious and long-term repercussions. Don’t take any risks with your freedom or future. Contact Davis Law Firm, LLC to consult with our child endangerment defense lawyers in Hamilton, NJ. We are committed to defending the rights and freedoms of those accused of committing crimes in New Jersey. We will fight to get the best possible outcome in your case.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn about how we can help.