Child endangerment is a serious charge that could see you facing fines and even jail time. If you’ve been accused of endangering a minor in your care, Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers can help. Call 859-569-4014 today.
Our experienced team can meet with you to discuss your case, evaluate any possible defenses, and fight to get your charges reduced or even dropped. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Lexington child endangerment attorney.
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Why Choose Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers To Help Me if I’ve Been Accused of Child Endangerment in Lexington?
Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers has the experience, legal know-how, and dedication you need to help you after you’ve been accused of a crime like child endangerment.
Here’s why you should choose us:
- We have more than 100 years of combined experience in criminal defense.
- Our legal team consists of former police officers and prosecutors.
- We have been included in the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers and have been recognized as Super Lawyers.
- We have a perfect 10.0 Avvo rating.
If you’re facing charges in Lexington, Kentucky, we are ready to help. Call, contact us online, or stop by our office to schedule a free consultation with a Lexington criminal defense attorney.
What Is Child Endangerment in Kentucky?
Child endangerment in Kentucky falls under the “endangering welfare of minor” statute.
According to this statute: “A parent, guardian or other person legally charged with the care or custody of a minor is guilty of endangering the welfare of a minor when he fails or refuses to exercise reasonable diligence in the control of such child to prevent him from becoming a neglected, dependent or delinquent child.”
The following definitions are important when it comes to the statute:
- Reasonable diligence: Reasonable diligence typically refers to the level of care and attention a prudent person in the same situation would exercise.
- Minor: A minor means a person under the age of 18.
Essentially, someone with legal custody of a minor can be charged with child endangerment when they fail (purposefully or not) to care for the child appropriately.
What Are the Penalties for Child Endangerment in Lexington, Kentucky?
Child endangerment is typically a Class A misdemeanor in Kentucky. If you are convicted of a first offense, you could face:
- Jail time: You could face up to 12 months in jail or a Class A misdemeanor.
- Fines: You may face fines, which can be as high as $500.
Depending on the situation, the judge may apply additional penalties, such as requiring you to take parenting classes. It is also possible that you will lose custody or visitation with the minor. Finally, multiple convictions can make your penaolties much more severe.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Accused of Child Endangerment?
There are several defenses your attorney can evaluate with regard to your case. Possible defenses include:
- You did not have legal custody of the minor: If you were not the legal guardian of the minor during the incident, the statute may not apply to you.
- False accusations: Sometimes, accusations can arise from misunderstandings or even malicious intent.
- Lack of evidence: The prosecution must prove child endangerment cases beyond a reasonable doubt. Your attorney can argue that this standard has not been reached in your case.
- Reasonable discipline: In some cases, actions interpreted as abuse may actually fall within the realm of reasonable parental discipline.
- Accidental injury: If the child’s injury resulted from an unforeseen accident rather than intentional or negligent conduct, your attorney can argue that there was no criminal intent.
- Mistaken identity or involvement: In some cases, individuals are wrongly identified or associated with an incident they had no part in. If you were not present or involved in the situation leading to the allegation, mistaken identity or involvement might be argued.
A good attorney will do their best to minimize the charge and its effect on your life.
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help if You’ve Been Accused of Child Endangerment
If you have been accused of child endangerment, you need an experienced attorney. A criminal defense lawyer can:
- Meet with you to listen to your story and discuss a case strategy
- Keep you updated and informed
- Evaluate and apply any possible defenses
- Defend you in court, if necessary
- Fight to get your charges dropped or reduced
A good legal advocate on your side can make a world of difference. To learn more, schedule a free consultation with a criminal defense attorney on our team.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Child Endangerment Defense Lawyer
Don’t take risks with your future; child endangerment charges in Lexington, Kentucky, are serious. If you’ve been accused of child endangerment, you need Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers. We’ll fight to protect your future and your rights.
We’re ready to put our over a century of criminal defense experience to work for you. Contact our dedicated team today to schedule a free consultation with a Lexington child endangerment lawyer.
