Child Endangerment Defense Attorney in Lexington, KY
Accused of Child Endangerment? Contact Us at (859) 712-7365!
If you are accused of endangering a child, you need a criminal defense attorney who is experienced in defending those charged with this offense. At Oakley & Oakley, our firm has handled thousands of cases and has a proven track record of success. Our team of trial-tested lawyers will fight to get your charges reduced or dismissed, and we will fight to protect your rights and freedoms.
Understanding Child Endangerment Laws in Kentucky
Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 218A.290, a person is guilty of endangering a child if they knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly do any of the following:
- Place a child in a situation that endangers the child's life or health.
- Cause a child to be in a situation that endangers the child's life or health.
- Engage in conduct that is illegal and creates a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury to the child.
- Cause a child to engage in conduct that is illegal and creates a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury to the child.
Child endangerment is a Class A misdemeanor and can result in up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. However, if a child is physically injured as a result of the defendant's actions, the offense will be charged as a Class D felony, which carries a minimum jail sentence of 5 years and a maximum of 10 years.
Consequences of Child Endangerment Convictions in Kentucky
If you are convicted of child endangerment, you could face very serious penalties, including:
- Fines
- Community service
- Probation
- Restitution
- Jail time
Additionally, a conviction for child endangerment will result in a permanent criminal record that could negatively impact your ability to obtain employment, housing, loans, and more. If you are facing charges for endangering a child, you need a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney on your side.
Statute of Limitations for Child Endangerment Charges in Kentucky
In Kentucky, there is no statute of limitations for child endangerment. This means that you could be charged with a crime even if the alleged incident happened decades ago. However, there are some limitations on when you can be charged with child endangerment.
Actions Leading to Child Endangerment Charges in Kentucky
In Kentucky, you can be charged with child endangerment if you knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly engage in any of the following actions:
- Place a child in a situation that endangers the child's life or health.
- Cause a child to be in a situation that endangers the child's life or health.
- Engage in conduct that is illegal and creates a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury to the child.
- Cause a child to engage in conduct that is illegal and creates a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury to the child.
Child endangerment is a Class A misdemeanor and can result in up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. However, if a child is physically injured as a result of the defendant's actions, the offense will be charged as a Class D felony, which carries a minimum jail sentence of 5 years and a maximum of 10 years.
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 859-712-7365 today!
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What is Probable Cause?
Probable cause is a legal term that is often misunderstood. Law enforcement must have probable cause to believe you committed a crime before they search or arrest someone.
Probable cause is a particular and reasonable belief that an individual is:
- committing a crime,
- has committed a crime or
- is about to commit a crime.
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What is a Criminal Defense Attorney and When do You Need One?
A criminal defense attorney represents individuals who are under investigation for criminal activity. They represent clients who might be witnesses in a criminal case. They also represent individuals charged with crimes.
If you or a family member has been arrested or is dealing with a criminal law matter, it is wise to consult a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
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Questions to Ask a Criminal Defense Lawyer During a Free Consultation
When you need to hire a criminal defense lawyer to represent you, it can be challenging to know what you are looking for. Obviously, you want your lawyer to be experienced, attentive, and personable. After all, who you hire matters. That is why it is so important you are prepared when you meet with an attorney for a free consultation. Knowing which questions to ask and what answers to look for can help you weed out the lawyers who might not be a good fit and zero in on the attorneys who will do an excellent job defending you. But many people who are in search of a lawyer are doing so for the first time. They have never been arrested or summoned to a courtroom before. Knowing where to even begin can be stressful in and of itself. To help you navigate the challenging process of hiring the right lawyer, here are several questions you might want to ask during a free consultation.
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How Your Criminal History Could Affect Your Current Case
Your prior brushes with the law can have an enormous influence on your life. Once you pay your fines or serve jail time, you will likely have to face the additional collateral consequences of your conviction. Having a criminal conviction can prevent you from getting desirable jobs and living where you would like. What’s worse, your criminal history can influence a prosecutor’s decisions about new charges and can result in harsher punishments for subsequent convictions. If you have legal questions about a current criminal case, seek the advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately.
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How to Know if You Hired a Good or Bad Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are accused of a crime or you are under investigation for a crime, you have the right to legal counsel. It does not matter whether you face drug crime charges, DUI charges, or weapons charges. The United States Constitution guarantees you the right to consult with a criminal defense lawyer. Never give up or waive your right to counsel when facing criminal charges in Kentucky. Always exercise your right to consult with a lawyer before answering questions or giving the police a statement.
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