Definition

Child Endangerment under California Penal Code Section 273 A, is a criminal offense and it is normally filed as either a felony or  misdemeanor. Child Endangerment is when  anyone makes a child end up in a perilous circumstance, and does nothing to safeguard the child from danger.

Definition of a Child:

Anyone under the age of eighteen years old.

Examples

Some common illustrations of child endangerment include driving while drunk, with a child in the vehicle, or leaving an infant unattended in a car alone while going in a store. The examples of child endangerment are infinite and are usually brought on by an adult caretaker’s lack of care, concern or indifference.

Elements of the Crime

In order to take a Child Endangerment  CPC 273 A case to trial, certain elements of the crime will have to be proven. These include:

·         That the defendant deliberately placed a minor in a perilous  place or circumstance

·         This situation might have impacted the minor’s well being in a negative way and it might have caused physical harm

·         The defendant deliberately caused the minor to endure physical or psychological pain

Punishments for CPC 273 A

These penalties are to be determined by a judge and he/she will make a decision based on the circumstances surrounding the case, the severity of injuries, if any was suffered, and also an individual’s criminal history.

When found guilty of Child Endangerment , it is usually filed as either a  misdemeanor or felony and this includes:

·         As a misdemeanor, the charges are up to one year in jail, up to one thousand dollars in fines, up to 4 years serving an informal probation, an order of protection and the guilty party may also need to attend counseling

·         As a felony, two, three or four years in prison, up to ten thousand dollars in fines, a formal probation, an order of protection and the guilty party may also need to attend counseling

Legal Defenses for California Penal Code 273 A

A good lawyer can present many legal and valid defenses for Child Endangerment  charges under California Penal Code 273 A to prove someone’s innocence. MacGregor and Collins is based in Orange County, California, and has successfully defended  those who were falsely accused of Child Endangerment . Call (949) 250-6097 to speak to a lawyer, should you be on trial for Child Endangerment .

Learn more about other California Section Penal Codes here.