Accused Of Endangering The Welfare Of A Child?

Facing a criminal charge for endangering the welfare of a child can be extremely stressful, especially for those facing said charges regarding their own children, which tends to involve the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P). Child abuse and neglect can result in serious penalties upon a guilty verdict, but the consequences of such a conviction for a client who is the parent or guardian of the victimized child tend to be even more severe.

Whether you are a parent or guardian of a child or an outside individual facing child endangerment charges or other child-related domestic violence issues, a guilty verdict involving child abuse and neglect does not look good and has serious consequences and penalties involved with it. I can help you handle this stress and dedicate my time supporting you in court as your legal advisor.

You do not have to go through this legal battle alone. I am criminal defense attorney Jill R. Cohen, and at my firm, The Law Office of Jill R. Cohen, I can help you with all litigation matters you must face with child abuse charges. Having handled many of these types of cases, I understand the impact that child abuse accusations and charges can have on your life, family and future.

Child Abuse And Neglect In New Jersey

• Child abuse: Child abuse is defined by statute as, “the physical, sexual or emotional harm or risk of harm to a child under the age of 18 caused by a parent or other person who acts as a caregiver for the child.” Types of abuse include physical, sexual and emotional abuse.
  • Abandonment is also considered abuse, if a child was exposed to the risk of abuse or willfully forsaken.
  • Cruelty to a child is another aspect of an abuse case and can be considered if a child is subject to severe corporal punishment, was inflicted with suffering or pain, continuous torment or stress to a child and others.

• Child neglect: Child neglect is defined as, “when a parent or caregiver fails to provide proper supervision for a child or adequate food, clothing, shelter, education or medical care although financially able or assisted to do so.” Types of neglect are provisional (without the necessary shelter, food, drink, care of well-being, etc.), supervisional (where children are unsupervised to the point of being in danger), and endangerment (where a child is purposely left in a situation where they can be harmed or are in imminent danger).

Penalties And Criminal Charges You May Be Facing

Criminal charges and penalties involving with child abuse and neglect depend highly on the severity of the crime, if sexual abuse was involved, the child’s age, the criminal history of the parent(s) or guardian(s) in question (especially if already charged with child or sexual abuse in the past), involvement of illegal substances, and the severity and/or existence of any mental or physical injuries inflicted on the child.

For the most severe cases, one can be sentenced with a felony charge and imprisoned for life (usually in situation of sexual abuse and severe physical abuse). For the lightest of cases, one can simply be charged with a misdemeanor, facing minimal jail time. Other possible penalties or negative outcomes for child abuse and neglect include lifetime requirement to register as a child sexual offender under Megan’s law and removal of parental rights.

Take Action Today To Protect Yourself

Child abuse cases are very serious, and I take them very seriously. To get started with me, call my office today at 856-754-5501 or contact my office online. A free initial consultation is offered so we can discuss your questions and concerns.

I represent criminal defendants throughout South Jersey in Camden, Cherry Hill, Gloucester Township, Winslow, Pennsauken, Voorhees, Lindenwold, Haddon Township, Collingswood and Haddonfield.