Chandler Child Endangerment Lawyer

It is frightening when a family misunderstanding leads to criminal charges. Many people do not realize that the state can bring child endangerment charges even if the child in question did not suffer any injury. The Arizona laws in this area are vague and allow police and prosecutors to bring criminal cases against anyone that they believe has put a child in danger.

If you are facing these charges, you need aggressive representation from a skilled attorney to avoid the life-altering repercussions of a conviction. At the Grand Canyon Law Group, a Chandler child endangerment lawyer can assess your case and determine the most effective strategy for your defense. As former prosecutors, we know the ins and outs of the local court systems and can use our experience to your advantage.

Elements of Child Endangerment

For the state to win a conviction for child endangerment, they must prove specific elements under Arizona law. They will need to prove to the court beyond a reasonable doubt that:

• The accused endangered another person under circumstances where physical injury or death were imminent
• The defendant was aware of or should have been aware of the risk that their behavior posed

Our child endangerment lawyers can help an accused Chandler resident to find weaknesses in the state’s case and plan a powerful defense.

Reckless Endangerment Statute and Definitions

In Chandler, a person can face endangerment charges if they recklessly endanger any other individual, whether a minor or an adult. If an individual puts another at significant risk of probable physical harm or death, they may face endangerment charges under Revised Statute § 13-1201.

Under the definitions listed in 13-105, the term “recklessly” is used to describe an individual who is aware of a substantial risk of seriously harming others with their behavior. However, regardless of that risk, they consciously disregard the need for safety and continue with the behavior. The statute also states that if the person is unaware of the risk because of intoxication, they are still acting recklessly under the legal definition. Our knowledgeable Chandler attorneys can further explain how these legal terms affect a specific child endangerment case and what defense may be available for the charges.

Penalties for a Child Endangerment Conviction in Chandler

If a court finds a person guilty of child endangerment, they will receive a class one misdemeanor on their permanent record, except in cases involving the risk of probable death. A class one misdemeanor is punishable by six months in jail and up to $2,500 in fines.

If the case involved risk of imminent death, the defendant may be charged with a class six felony, which could lead to imprisonment for up to two years. Depending on the age of the child, any prior convictions, whether a weapon was used, or whether the alleged crime was sexual, the defendant may face harsher charges and steeper penalties.

The state statutes and legal definitions for these cases are complex. It is crucial for a defendant to understand the child endangerment charges against them by consulting a knowledgeable local attorney. At our law firm, our dedicated lawyers can assess the endangerment charges and help mitigate the penalties or avoid a conviction altogether.

Schedule a Consultation with a Chandler Child Endangerment Attorney

Prosecutors and investigators have heavy caseloads and may not take the time to find all critical evidence when reviewing the situation at hand. This is where our dedicated attorneys come in. At Grand Canyon Law Group, we are committed to investing the time and energy needed to properly investigate and collect evidence for defending your case.

Our Chandler child endangerment lawyers can also offer sound legal advice about your specific situation and explain the laws and statutes that will apply. If you face charges for endangering a child, give yourself the best chances of success and reach out to a skilled attorney. Call us today to begin discussing your case and building an airtight defense.