For good reason, children are entitled to additional protection under the law when compared to adults. As a result, adults often face criminal charges when they are accused of putting a child into a dangerous situation, even if the child did not sustain any injuries. As a skilled defense attorney, Mike Schillinger often fights back against these child endangerment charges.
When you are charged with endangering the welfare of a child, Mike can help you protect your rights and avoid a conviction. You deserve a strong advocate who will stand by your side every step of the way. Mike Schillinger is an Islip child endangerment lawyer that can advise you on your options and help you develop strategies to fight your case.
What Is Child Endangerment?
Child endangerment – formally known as “endangering the welfare of a child” – is a criminal charge that can take several forms. Any act that is likely to cause physical, emotional, or moral injury to an underage person can potentially qualify as child endangerment.
Under New York State law, general acts of child abuse or neglect can also qualify as child endangerment. For example, a parent or guardian who fails to provide their child with basic care, or leaves them in a dangerous situation, could be charged with endangering the welfare of a child. This statute also applies to situations such as driving while intoxicated with a child in the car or exposing a child to criminal activity. It can even include situations where an adult commits a crime against another adult and a child happens to witness the incident. This often happens in cases involving alleged domestic violence, where you have been accused of hitting your spouse while your child was present in the room or otherwise nearby.
While the child endangerment statute is written broadly – to give prosecutors in Islip leeway when charging negligent adults – this leeway is often too expansive. Mike Schillinger is an experienced attorney who will fight back when the prosecutor files unreasonable child endangerment charges against you. Call today to learn more.
Penalties for Child Endangerment Charges
Endangering the welfare of a child is a class “A” misdemeanor in New York State, and as such, carries the potential for significant penalties if convicted. As a class “A” misdemeanor, child endangerment carries a maximum penalty of one year behind bars. However, jail time is only one of the possible penalties: A person convicted of this offense could also face probation, fines, immigration consequences or even the removal of their child from their home.
How To Defend Child Endangerment Allegations
As serious as the penalties associated with a child endangerment charge are, remember they only come into play following a conviction. An experienced criminal defense lawyer in Islip can help you fight back against a child endangerment charge and help you build a defense.
Mike Schillinger may defend against these charges in many ways. For example, Mike may be able to argue that you were not knowingly acting in a manner that is likely to injure the child’s physical or mental welfare. Also, he may use other defense strategies, such as claiming mistaken identity or arguing that the child in the case was actually an adult. As a knowledgeable Islip attorney, he can advise which defense options are best for your juvenile endangerment case and build a strong argument that exonerates you.
Speak With a Child Endangerment Attorney in Islip Today
Child endangerment charges are serious and should be taken seriously. A conviction of this charge can severely curtail your freedom, and negatively affect your future. It’s important to fight back against these allegations.
Reach out to an Islip child endangerment lawyer like Mike Schillinger as soon as possible to discuss the best defense options available. Mike will work hard to understand your situation and fight to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
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