Endangerment of a Child - Utah Criminal Lawyer
Under Utah criminal law, endangerment of a child is serious felony charge
that can result in a lengthy prison term and thousands of dollars in
fines. Utah criminal defense lawyer
Stephen Howard
defends clients charged with child endangerment and other criminal
charges throughout Utah. He has a
track record that includes
not guilty verdicts, dismissals, and appellate reversals on some of the
most serious
felony
and
misdemeanor
criminal charges on the books in Utah. If you are facing criminal
charges for endangerment of a child, you need an
experienced
Utah
criminal
defense lawyer on your side.
(Note
that the term "child endangerment" more technically refers
investigations of endangerment or neglect involving DCFS. However, as
used on this page, the term refers to prosecutions for "endangerment of
a child" under Utah Code 76-5-112.5.)
Elements of a Child Endangerment Case in Utah
A typical child endangerment charge under Utah criminal law involves
allegations that a person used or possessed
drugs or
paraphernalia
under circumstances where a child was exposed to or had the potential
to become exposed to the drugs. The term "exposed" is broadly
defined, and includes more than just actual contact with drugs or
paraphernalia. "Exposed" also includes circumstances under
which a child is able to see or has the ability to access drugs, or has
the "reasonable capacity" to access
paraphernalia.
Child
endangerment also includes situations where a child inhales, ingests,
or otherwise has contact with drugs or drug paraphernalia.
Consequences of a Child Endangerment Conviction in Utah
At it's lowest level, child endangerment is a third degree felony
punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine and surcharge of
$9,500. Under Utah criminal law, child endangerment becomes a
second degree felony if the child is in some way injured as a result of
contact or exposure to drugs or paraphernalia. A second
degree felony has a maximum sentence of up to 15 years in prison and a
fine and surcharge of $19,000. If a child dies as a result of
exposure or contact with drugs, the charge can be filed as a first
degree felony punishable by up to life in prison.
Accompanying Criminal Charges in Utah
Because a child
endangerment charge in Utah requires allegations involving drugs or
paraphernalia, a prosecuting attorney will commonly file drug-related
charges along with a child endangerment charge. In addition to a charge
of child endangerment, you may also face
additional charges for
possession
of a controlled substance or
drug
paraphernalia. These additional charges can
mean
additional time in jail or prison and even higher fines.
Finding a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Salt Lake City, Utah
The
consequences
of a criminal conviction can be serious. An
experienced
Utah
criminal defense lawyer can
help ensure that your rights are protected. If you are facing
prosecution for child endangerment or other criminal
charges,
contact us
now to schedule an initial consultation with
Salt
Lake criminal defense attorney Stephen Howard.