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P.C. 273a - I am accused of child endangerment ? What do I do now?

By Walin & Klarich

Children are viewed as particularly vulnerable members of society, so any perceived mistreatment or endangerment of their safety will be severely prosecuted. Under Penal Code 273a, child endangerment involves willfully causing or permitting a child to suffer physical or mental injury without taking steps to prevent it. This code section applies even if the child does not suffer any actual injury. Child endangerment is a "wobbler" in that it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. As a misdemeanor offense, the penalties may include a sentence of up to one year in county jail. If charged as a felony, a child endangerment conviction may result in a two, four, or six-year sentence in state prison. This crime requires that you acted willfully or in a manner that was criminally negligent in causing unjustifiable pain or suffering upon a child under 18 years of age...continue to full post

Full post as published by Southern California Criminal Defense Blog on December 15, 2010 (boomark / email).