Child Abandonment
Child Abandonment Attorney Greg Tsioros
Child Endangerment Defense Attorney in Houston: Brazoria, Ft. Bend, Galveston, Harris & Montgomery Counties
You may not have seen it coming, but being charged with neglecting or abusing a child can mean big trouble in Houston, Texas. The state mandates that anyone that suspects child endangerment immediately notify a legal authority. Disregarding a child’s welfare can lead to a criminal record, financial penalties and even time in jail.
Texas Child Abandonment
Supervising a bunch of kids is difficult at best, but having control or custody of a child means that you’re subject to Texas child welfare laws. Any report of suspected child endangerment will result in an official investigation. The Texas Penal Code prohibits harming a child by failing to provide reasonable or necessary care. This legal standard imposes a level of care that any reasonable adult would provide for any child of a similar age.
Intentionally exposing a child to unreasonable risk of harm or recklessly placing a child in imminent danger can result in criminal charges. Disregarding the safety of a child by exposing them to conditions that could cause injury, death or mental impairment can also result in legal action. Among the criminal acts that could jeopardize the safety of a child are the following:
- Manufacturing or using methamphetamine in the presence of a child
- Causing a child to have methamphetamine in their body
- Causing a child to ingest, inhale or be injected with any penalty group one substance
Child Abuse Penalties
A criminal conviction for endangering or abandoning a child could result in one of the following punishments:
- State Jail Felony – abandoning a child with the intent to return – between six months and two years in jail and a maximum fine of $10,000
- Third Degree Felony – abandoning a child without intending to return – between two and ten years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000
- Second Degree Felony – exposing a child to impairment or injury – between two and 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000
Child Endangerment Defense
If you are under investigation for harming a child in Houston, it’s essential that your legal rights be protected. The prosecution bears the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that a crime was committed. The best thing you can do is contact an experienced lawyer to determine which defenses will be the most effective in your particular circumstances. Get a hold of Greg Tsioros today by calling (832) 752-5972.