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Experienced Connecticut Attorney Handles Endangering Welfare of a Child Cases

Accomplished Westport Lawyer Providing Criminal Defense

The state of Connecticut has several laws meant to protect children within the state from harm. These laws have sometimes harsh penalties for anyone who endangers a child for whom they are responsible. Child endangerment can include a wide range of behaviors and situations, from neglect to intentional abuse to simple mistakes made by parents. Sometimes, parents or legal guardians may not realize they are endangering their child, and they could suddenly find themselves facing serious allegations and potential consequences.

If you have been accused of any type of child endangerment, it is important that you contact an experienced Connecticut defense attorney who knows how to handle cases involving child welfare. Michael R. Corsello has over three decades of experience defending a wide array of criminal charges, and he provides aggressive representation in child endangerment cases.

Child Endangerment Laws in CT

Section 53-21 of the Connecticut Penal Code makes it illegal to cause injury or risk of injury to a child under the age of sixteen. “Injury” includes not only physical injuries from violence, but also health impairments and compromising a child’s morals. Some examples of actions that may be considered child endangerment include:

  • Leaving a child at home without adequate supervision ;
  • Leaving a child in a motor vehicle unattended;
  • Allowing someone who is a known sex offender watch your child alone;
  • Using or manufacturing illegal drugs in front of a child;
  • Abusing alcohol in front of a child;
  • Giving a child alcohol or drugs;
  • Threatening or using excessive physical punishment that harms the child;
  • DUI or other reckless driving behaviors with a child in the car;
  • Failing to properly restrain a child in a motor vehicle;
  • Child abandonment;
  • Sexual or indecent contact; and
  • Failing to report suspicions of child abuse.

Sometimes, a parent or guardian may intentionally put their child in danger with one of the above behaviors. Howe’ver, some parents may simply make a mistake and may not realize they are endangering their child or engaging in illegal behavior. For example, if a parent did not know the correct speed limit on a certain street and is caught speeding, he or she could potentially face child endangerment charges if there were kids in the car at the time.

Endangering the welfare of a minor may be charged as a Class C or Class B felony, depending on the circumstances of the individual situation, age of the child, or whether the child actually suffered harm. This means that parents convicted of such charges may face years in state prison, fines up to $15,000, or both.

Experienced Child Endangerment Attorney in Fairfield

If you are facing any type of child endangerment charges, experienced criminal defense attorney Michael R. Corsello can help you. He knows how to skillfully investigate each case, build a defense, negotiate with prosecutors, present evidence in a favorable light, and advise you on which option may be best for you. Contact the Law Offices of Michael R. Corsello, LLC at 203-838-7007 today to schedule a free consultation.