Children are often seen as a vulnerable group who must heavily rely on their parents or other adults for the majority of their care. However, differences in how adults believe a child should be raised could lead to child endangerment, which could lead to the child removed from that adults’ care.
Those who accused of child endangerment may wish to speak with a Wellington child endangerment lawyer. The seasoned domestic violence attorneys at the Law Offices of Leifert & Leifert could advise you of your rights, help develop a defense and work to protect your family.
Child Endangerment and Neglect
Child endangerment is a term that covers many actions, including neglect and child abuse. Florida provides that caregivers must provide a certain level of care under Statute Section 827.03. This includes meeting a child’s physical and mental health needs, generally, this is done by providing:
- Shelter
- Medicine and medical services
- Food and nutrition
- Supervision
- Clothing
Failing to provide this level of care could constitute neglect. Anyone who is unsure of how actions may be viewed in a court of law may wish to reach out to our Wellington child endangerment attorneys for additional insight.
Child Abuse in Wellington
Child abuse refers to intentional acts that a reasonable person would see as potentially harmful to a child. Encouraging another to harm a child could also be considered abuse.
Child abuse charges could carry severe penalties. Aggravated child abuse is generally charged as a First-Degree Felony, while willfully or negligently neglecting a child may lead to Second-Degree Felony charges. If a caregiver abuses a child or provides negligent care, but does not cause permanent or physical harm, they may also be charged with a Third-Degree Felony.
It is important to note that, while parents are often the primary caregiver of children, a caregiver could include anyone responsible for a child’s welfare. This may include nannies, babysitters, or household members over the age of 18. Reach out to our knowledgeable lawyers at Leifert & Leifert to learn more.
Consequences of Endangering a Child
Child endangerment convictions may carry harsh penalties. This is often dependent on how an individual is charged. Each classification of Felony carries different potential sentencing.
First-Degree Felonies are generally the most severe charge. A conviction could lead to a potential life sentence, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. Second-Degree Felonies carry heavy sentencing as well. An individual could face a prison sentence of up to 15 years, pay a fine of up to $10,000, or both if convicted.
Felonies in the Third Degree generally carry a maximum prison sentence of five years, fines of up to $5,000, or both. However, penalties could increase if aggravating factors, such as prior convictions, are present.
People facing child endangerment charges could also lose custody of children. A detail-oriented child endangerment lawyer in Wellington may be able to provide additional support to a family and fight to keep a family unit together. A child endangerment Felony charge may also impact an individual’s ability to find work, secure housing, or freely travel through their community.
Work with a Wellington Child Endangerment Attorney
The relationship between a child and their caregivers is precious. For anyone facing a child endangerment charge, it may be helpful to seek the assistance of a Wellington child endangerment lawyer.
The attorneys at the Law Offices of Leifert & Leifert understand the rights caregivers and children have. If you need help understanding the law, you may benefit from a free case review. An attorney could advise on methods to protect you and the bond shared with a child. Contact our offices to schedule a consultation today.
