Terms
Child endangerment
Child endangerment is an all too common occurrence in society today. Not a day goes by where a child endangerment story doesn't make the local or national news programs. It makes one wonder if people even think twice about the safety and well being of their children. Everyday thousands of parents load their children into the car and proceed to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Thousands of parents leave their almost helpless children unattended for hours on end while they have a little "me" time. Child endangerment is an everyday occurrence, and the statistics don't lie.
In a report on child endangerment that covered the span of 1997-2002, it was found that approximately 390 children died annually in alcohol-related crashes in the United States. The majority of children who died while riding with drinking drivers were not restrained at the time of the crash. Since the majority of drivers in these crashes survived, it has been suggested that certain children killed in alcohol-related crashes could have survived had they been restrained properly, an obvious case of child endangerment.
With continued enforcement of child safety-seat laws and passage of primary enforcement safety-belt laws in all states can hopefully reduce child endangerment and related deaths. Sixty percent of alcohol-related crashes involving child passenger deaths occurred between 6 AM and 9 PM., which calls for enforcement of child safety-seat and safety belt laws especially during daylight hours. Drinking drivers have higher rates of severe crashes and stricter enforcement of restraint laws might substantially reduce the instances of child endangerment.
Child endangerment doesn't stop with alcohol either. The number of children in the United States exposed to hazards used in the illicit manufacture of the controlled dangerous substance methamphetamine has more than doubled in the past few years, and despite law enforcement efforts, these numbers continue to rise.
The numbers are too large on child endangerment caused by physical abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect by parents, guardians, or other adults who expose them to toxic methamphetamine lab operations, firearms, pornographic material, criminals and their unlawful activity, and domestic violence, just to name a few of the dangers. Methamphetamine abuse and production have become major factors in the increase of child endangerment and neglect cases handled by the child welfare system.
Stricter child endangerment laws are constantly being reviewed by each and every state. While most states have had child endangerment laws for many years, in 2004 Georgia became the last state to add child endangerment laws in the felony category. The child endangerment law allows prosecutors to hold parents and caregivers criminally accountable for reckless and negligent behavior that places a child in jeopardy. Specifically, the bill adds criminal negligence, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison, to the state's child cruelty statute.
If you fear that your ex-spouse is committing child endangerment during custodial visits, you have no time to waste. Contact an experienced child endangerment attorney to protect your children before it's too late. An experienced attorney can help you process the necessary paperwork and petition the court to ensure the safety of your child.
Related Child Endangerment News
Feb 6, 2007 - Mom Arrested After Son Mauled by Pit Bull
Oct 17, 2006 - Mom Charged With Recklessness After Daughter’s Belly Piercing Infection
All of your criminal, DUI, DWI, OUI lawyer needs in one place!
Let us help you locate an attorney. Use the form to find a criminal law attorney in your area.
Law Offices of Grech & Firetag
Serving Southern California for over 30 years, the Law Offices of Grech & Firetag have earned a reputation of being competent and providing personal attention to every case.
Call Toll Free - (888) 529-5632
