What You Need To Know About The Law of Child Endangerment in California PC 273(a)

California Penal Code Section 273(a) defines Child Endangerment as willfully placing a child in an unsafe situation. Under the law, a child is defined as anyone under the age of 18. The main factors that the prosecution must provide to successfully convict on a charge of child endangerment include:

(1)    The accused intentionally caused a child to be in an unsafe situation;
(2)    This situation might have caused the child to sustain injuries or affect their health;
(3)    The accused made the child victim suffer (psychologically or physically)

It should be noted that a child endangerment charge can be filed as either a felony or misdemeanor.  This type of crime is referred to as a “wobbler” offense. Whether the case will be filed as a felony or misdemeanor charges will depend on the surrounding facts and circumstances of the case and whether the suspect has a lawyer to advocate on their behalf prior to the formal filing of charges. You can potentially serve a jail sentence of up to one year in county jail or up to six years in state prison. A felony child endangerment conviction may also result in a strike pursuant to California’s Three Strike law.

Child Endangerment is a serious charge that calls for the skill and expertise of a criminal defense attorney. At Wallin & Klarich, our attorneys have been in practice for over 40 years and can help you achieve the best possible outcome. Call us today at 888-749-0034. With offices in San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, Ventura, San Diego, and Orange Counties, we will be there for you when you call.