South Carolina takes the protection of children seriously, as most states do. Child endangerment in Spartanburg can be a serious offense. People who are found guilty of child endangerment may be subject to fines or even jail time. Additionally, a child endangerment charge could have adverse effects on issues of custody or child support.
Even if you have been charged with child endangerment, that does not automatically mean you are guilty. You have rights, and it is the prosecution’s responsibility to prove the allegations against you. An experienced child endangerment lawyer in Spartanburg can help contest these charges and advocate for your rights throughout the legal process. Our criminal defense attorneys are ready to work on your case.
Child endangerment refers to a specific criminal offense that has been codified in law, as opposed to a range of behaviors that might expose a child to harm. It is often treated by law enforcement and courts as an enhancement to other charges and can result in serious punishment.
One of the most common types of child endangerment charges is endangerment while operating a motor vehicle. Under South Carolina Code of Laws § 56-5-2947, a person over 18 is guilty of child endangerment if they commit any of the following offenses and they have a child under age 16 in the car:
There are also more general child endangerment charges that may apply. According to South Carolina Code of Laws § 63-5-70, it is against the law to put a child at unreasonable risk of harm, to maliciously cause any bodily harm to a child so that their life or health is endangered, or to willfully abandon a child. A person who has violated this subsection is guilty of a felony and may be fined or even imprisoned. An attorney in Spartanburg could review any charges related to child endangerment to clarify the legal standing.
While some states treat child endangerment as a separate charge, in South Carolina, the law allows for courts to add the penalties for child endangerment to penalties for the underlying offense. According to state law, a child endangerment conviction allows for increased penalties for as much as half the monetary fine or half of the prison sentence for the underlying offense.
For instance, if you are charged with driving under the influence, it might come with a $500 fine or a maximum 30-day jail sentence. However, if you are charged with child endangerment on top of that, the monetary fine could increase up to $750, and your sentence could increase to 45 days instead of 30. In addition to these penalties, a child endangerment charge can also have an adverse effect on child custody, visitation, and potential employment opportunities. A Spartanburg child endangerment attorney may be able to provide more specific information on penalties in your situation.
If you are facing child endangerment charges in Spartanburg, one of the first things you should do is contact an attorney. The attorney will carefully examine each aspect of your case and can help you build a strong defense. Some of the most common defenses against child endangerment charges are:
Ultimately, an attorney specializing in this area of law will be familiar with the necessary elements of the charge and will work with you to present a strong defense.
Child endangerment charges are serious, and they can have devastating consequences for everyone involved. Facing these kinds of charges can be very stressful and upsetting, but it is crucial to seek legal assistance right away. Our lawyers have the knowledge and experience in this area of law to help you navigate the legal process and build a strong case.
Contact a Spartanburg child endangerment lawyer today to set up a consultation and learn more.
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