California Penal Code Section 273 A
by
Randy Collins on Feb. 24, 2012
Criminal Criminal Felony Criminal Misdemeanor
Summary: Child Endangerment is when anyone who makes a child end up in a perilous circumstance, and does nothing to safeguard the child from danger.
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.