Is there a specific offense for “child endangerment” under Arizona law?

No. There is no specific offense for “child endangerment” under state law. If a person endangers a minor according to the definition of endangerment in Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-1201, it is referred to as “child endangerment.”

What are examples of conduct that can lead to a child endangerment accusation in Phoenix?

Examples listed include overly harsh physical punishment of a child; leaving a child unsupervised in a motor vehicle; letting a child be unsupervised or with inadequate supervision; failing to protect a child from injury; failing to report suspected child abuse; and being drunk or high while caring for a child.

What are the penalties for child endangerment in Phoenix?

Penalties depend on whether the conduct created a risk of imminent death or a substantial risk of imminent physical injury. If the conduct results in a substantial risk of imminent physical injury, it is charged as a Class One misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. If the behavior creates a substantial risk of imminent death, it is a Class 6 felony punishable by .33 months to two years in prison and fines of up to $150,000 (assuming no prior convictions).

Phoenix Child Endangerment Lawyer

Q: How does Arizona define endangerment (child endangerment)?

Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-1201 defines endangerment as a person recklessly endangering another person with a substantial risk of physical injury or imminent death. A person acts “recklessly” when that person is aware of and consciously disregard an unjustifiable and substantial risk in such a way that, when disregarded, is a gross deviation from a reasonable person’s standard of care.

Q: How do prior convictions affect a child endangerment charge?

Prior offenses can significantly increase the penalty range. In many cases, the offender will be charged with a degree of offense one higher than their conduct would normally create for a first-time offense.

Phoenix Child Endangerment Attorney

Without a proper defense strategy, a child endangerment charge may lead to a significant prison sentence, high fines, and the loss of your rights. These charges often stem from a report by a witness or a law enforcement officer about your conduct while taking care of a child. Accordingly, these cases often involve misunderstandings, and these offenses are often overcharged.

No matter the circumstances, you deserve representation from a compassionate domestic violence defense attorney. At Grand Canyon Law Group, our legal team is made up of former prosecutors who know how to pursue a reduction in charges or even a dismissal of your case. Let a Phoenix child endangerment lawyer handle your case from the beginning and fight for your rights throughout the process.

For a free legal consultation with a child endangerment lawyer serving Phoenix, call 480-400-5555

DEFINING CHILD ENDANGERMENT

Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-1201 defines the offense of endangerment as a person recklessly endangering another person with a substantial risk of physical injury or imminent death. A person acts “recklessly” when that person is aware of and consciously disregard an unjustifiable and substantial risk in such a way that, when disregarded, is a gross deviation from a reasonable person’s standard of care.

There is no specific offense for “child endangerment” under state law. If a person endangers a minor according to the above definition, it is referred to as “child endangerment.” This could include the following scenarios:

Overly harsh physical punishment of a child
Leaving a child unsupervised in a motor vehicle
Letting a child be unsupervised or with inadequate supervision
Failing to protect a child from injury
Failing to report suspected child abuse
Being drunk or high while caring for a child

These forms of conduct and many others may lead to a child endangerment accusation in Phoenix, requiring help from an experienced attorney to combat the charges.

Phoenix Child Endangerment Lawyer Near Me 480-400-5555

PENALTIES FOR CHILD ENDANGERMENT IN PHOENIX

The penalties for child endangerment will depend on whether the conduct created a risk of imminent death or a substantial risk of imminent physical injury. When the conduct results in a substantial risk of imminent physical injury, it is charged as a Class One misdemeanor. This is punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.

If the behavior creates a substantial risk of imminent death, the offense is instead a Class 6 felony. In that case, the offense is punishable by .33 months to two years in prison and fines of up to $150,000.

These penalty ranges apply assuming the individual has no prior convictions on their record. As a local attorney can explain, prior convictions may change the penalty ranges a person faces for allegations of putting a child at risk of harm.

PRIOR CONVICTIONS FOR ENDANGERING A MINOR

Prior offenses can significantly increase the penalty range a person faces for their child endangerment charge. In many cases, the offender will be charged with a degree of offense one higher than their conduct would normally create for a first-time offense. Anyone accused of child endangerment should speak with a proactive Phoenix attorney, but it is even more important for those with prior convictions to secure legal representation immediately.

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CONSULT A CHILD ENDANGERMENT ATTORNEY IN PHOENIX TODAY

Child endangerment charges often stem from misunderstandings. You may be overcharged and facing criminal charges for circumstances that were out of your control. At Grand Canyon Law Group, we understand how stressful these situations are, and we believe that you deserve dedicated representation in your case. Contact a Phoenix child endangerment lawyer today to review your situation and begin building a defense.