What Constitutes Endangering The Welfare Of A Child?
There are a limitless number of scenarios where a person could find themselves charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child. For instance, you smoke a large quantity of marijuana and fall fast asleep. Meanwhile, your five-year-old sneaks out the front door and is discovered by a passerby walking down the street. You will probably be charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Or, consider this: you’re very thirsty from doing the yard work and need cold beer – lots of ice-cold beer. However, you don’t feel like driving to the Packie (slang for the beer store here in New England). You toss the car keys to the 15-year-old and tell him to make himself useful – drive me to the store! You’ll probably be charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child after little Tommy crashes the family mini-van into a tree on the way to buy said beer.
Endangering The Welfare Of A Child Defined
A person is guilty of endangering the welfare of a child if he knowingly endangers the welfare of a child under 18 by violating a duty of care, protection or support he owes to the child or by inducing such child to engage in conduct that endangers his health or safety. Soliciting a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity constitutes endangering the welfare of a child. The potential penalties for Endangering the Welfare of a Child in New Hampshire are severe. Endangering the welfare of a child can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances. Individuals facing an Endangering the Welfare of a Child charge need the help of an experienced New Hampshire criminal defense lawyer.
Facing Charges? Take Action!
If you’ve been charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child you need the help of Attorney Justin Hayes, who has what it takes to refute the prosecutor’s arguments and build a solid defense. Contact us to schedule your free consultation.