Tucson Child Endangerment and Abuse Attorney

Arizona's laws aim to protect minors at all costs, including strict criminal penalties for crimes that harm children.  Even seemingly minor offenses can become very serious if committed in the presence of a child, particularly if the activity causes the child harm or a risk of harm.  In addition to the potential criminal penalties, child endangerment and abuse has the potential to tear families apart.  Not only might a negligent or abusive parent or guardian end up in jail, but children can be removed from that parent or guardian's custody if it is deemed to be in the best interest of the child to do so. 

Parents and guardians must take their responsibilities seriously, and have the child's best interest at heart.  Unfortunately, sometimes well-meaning guardians can make mistakes, and other times abuse or neglect can be suspected where it has not in fact occurred.  Further, false accusations have become commonplace in custody battles, breakups, and divorces.

Allegations of child abuse can take many forms, most commonly physical abuse (shaking, hitting, burning), but can also be emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, or abandonment.  Any non-accidental behavior that puts a child's physical and/or emotional health and development in danger is considered child abuse in Arizona.  Individuals accused of child abuse might face charges of assault, sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child, corruption of a minor, failure to report child abuse, failure to report sexual assault, and more. 

By the time that a criminal defense attorney is getting involved in a suspected case of child abuse or neglect, there will still be very important steps guardians can take to protect themselves and their families.  If you or a loved one has been arrested, charged with a crime, or is under investigation for a crime involving suspected child abuse, endangerment, abandonment, or neglect, it is important to get an attorney to represent you right away.  If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint counsel to represent you.

EXAMPLES OF CRIMINAL CHARGES RELATING TO CHILD ENDANGERMENT & ABUSE

• Severe punishments resulting in bodily injury
  
• Failure to report child abuse
  
• Insufficient supervision
  
• Leaving a child unattended in a vehicle
  
• Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol while caring for a child
  
• Committing a crime while caring for a child
  
• Driving Under the Influence with a child in the car (felony aggravated DUI)
  

Most cases involving child endangerment are charged as a Class 1 Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail, probation, and a fine of up to $2500.  In cases involving a substantial risk of death (no actual injury needs to occur), reckless endangerment is a Class 6 Felony, punishable by up to two years in prison.

Child abuse and endangerment cases are prosecuted aggressively, and punished harshly in Arizona.  Though the state must always prove each element of each charged crime beyond a reasonable doubt to obtain a conviction, it is notoriously difficult to get prosecutors, judges, and even juries to be sympathetic to anyone accused of committing an act that endangers or harms children.  If you have been accused of child abuse, child endangerment, or other crimes involving a risk of harm to children, contact an attorney to discuss your specific situation, including the kinds of penalties you may be facing, and begin to evaluate your possible defenses.

Contact the Tucson Defenders today for a FREE CONSULTATION with a Tucson Criminal Defense Attorney.  520-585-5757.

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ARIZONA STATE CRIMINAL LAW LINKS:
Pima County Superior Court
Tucson City Court
Pima County Justice Court
Pima County Sheriff Inmate Locator
Tucson Police Department
Pima County Sheriff