Like most states, New Jersey takes criminal acts involving children seriously. If defendants do not protect themselves with competent lawyers, they might get forced into accepting bad plea agreements that would leave them on the sex offender registry indefinitely.
Endangering the welfare of children is typically charged as a second-degree felony in New Jersey. Sometimes, charges get enhanced to first-degree felonies, threatening even more jail time. For third-, second-, and first-degree felony convictions, there are minimum jail sentences. In addition to getting bail set in your case and explaining the charges, our lawyers can build your defense against charges that could derail your future.
Call the Law Offices of John J. Zarych for a free case review from our criminal defense attorneys at (609) 616-4956.
Who Gets Charged with Endangering the Welfare of Children in Atlantic County, NJ?
There are several ways someone could be charged with endangering the welfare of children in New Jersey, according to N.J.S.A. § 2C:24-4(a).
The first is if someone legally responsible for a child, like their parent, engages in sexual conduct that would harm their morals. This is a second-degree felony. Anyone not legally responsible for a child’s care who engages in such acts could be charged with a third-degree felony.
The second is if someone legally responsible for a child’s care neglects or abuses them. This is also a second-degree felony.
Charges might get elevated to first-degree felonies in certain cases. For example, causing or allowing prohibited and filmed sexual acts with minors is a first-degree felony in New Jersey.
People can also be charged with crimes related to endangering the welfare of children if they possess, distribute, or store child pornography.
Penalties for Endangering the Welfare of Children in New Jersey
There are many consequences for convictions for endangering the welfare of children. There may be minimum prison sentences for these charges, in addition to expensive fines. Furthermore, depending on your conviction, you could face life-long placement on the sex offender registry in New Jersey.
Prison Time
Endangering the welfare of children comes with minimum prison sentences when charged as second-degree felonies. This is the case when the defendant was legally responsible for the child’s care. If convicted of a second-degree felony, you could face between five to 10 years in prison, according to § 2C:43-6(2).
For first-degree felony convictions, the minimum sentence increases to 10 years. The maximum sentence also increases to 20 years.
New Jersey even has minimum prison sentences for third-degree felonies. If convicted of this charge, you could face between three to five years behind bars.
Fines and Restitution
Judges commonly levy fines against convicted defendants for endangering the welfare of children. Under § 2C:43-3(2), fines or restitution of up to $150,000 can be imposed for second-degree felonies. For third-degree felonies, fines can be up to $15,000. And for first-degree felonies, fines can be up to $200,000.
Other Penalties
Apart from prison time, the reputational consequences of this conviction are the most concerning. According to § 2C:7-2(b)(2), part of Megan’s Law, a conviction for endangering the welfare of children by engaging in sexual conduct with a child means being put on the sex offender registry in New Jersey.
This is sometimes a life-long consequence. Only after 15 years without reoffending after released can you petition the court to be removed from the registry. Even then, removal is not guaranteed.
When you are on the registry, you have to report each change of address to law enforcement, notify the police before you move, and verify your address annually, among other requirements.
Defendants might experience other consequences after convictions, like losing custody of their children, losing their jobs, and suffering reputational harm. Taking your case and defense seriously might save you much of that strain.
Handling Endangering the Welfare of a Child Cases in Atlantic County, NJ
Our attorneys can help you handle all aspects of your criminal case. This includes navigating the aftermath of an arrest, handling bail, and setting up your defense.
Handling the Arrest
Police officers might arrest you at work to try to provoke an outburst. Though you might be angry and confused, stay calm. Accusations about your conduct as a parent or guardian might offend you, but refrain from defending yourself. Officers do not just want to hear your side of the story; they want to use it against you.
Rather than talking to the police alone, call our criminal defense attorneys immediately. Pay attention to what officers do and why they say they are arresting you. We can figure out the details of the warrant for your arrest and the charges on your behalf.
Handling Bail
We can be at your side when you are arraigned and when bail is set in your case. Bail amounts for second-degree felony charges range from $50,00 to $100,000 in New Jersey. For first-degree felony charges, bail ranges from $100,000 to $250,000. When charged with endangering the welfare of children, there is no option for defendants to post 10% of the bail in cash to get released for the trial.
When bail is set too high for defendants to afford, they might have to wait for their trials from behind bars. Our attorneys can fight for fair bail in your case so you can participate in your defense from home.
Handling Your Defense
Charges for endangering the welfare of children might be brought during the course of bad custody battles. In these situations, our attorneys may show evidence of false accusations, especially if there is no outcry witness apart from the other parent. We can also explore other defenses and can advise defendants on plea agreements.
Call Our Atlantic County, NJ Attorneys About Your Case Today
Call the Law Offices of John J. Zarych at (609) 616-4956 for a free case assessment from our criminal defense attorneys.
