{"id":12169,"date":"2024-01-04T08:00:38","date_gmt":"2024-01-04T15:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/criminal-defense-law\/?page_id=12169"},"modified":"2024-01-02T15:35:06","modified_gmt":"2024-01-02T22:35:06","slug":"child-endangerment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/criminal-defense-law\/blog\/child-endangerment\/","title":{"rendered":"Child Endangerment Laws In Arizona"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction<\/h2>\n

Caregivers like parents, grandparents, and babysitters can all face charges of child endangerment if they intentionally or recklessly put a child in harm\u2019s way. Child endangerment is any scenario in which an adult exposes a minor to a significant risk of injury or death. The type of abuse may fall into one of two categories, and that will determine what kind of punishment the offender may face.<\/span><\/p>\n

Multiple statutes in Arizona discuss child abuse, mistreatment of children, or endangerment of others. Three statutes can apply to cases of child abuse and endangerment\u2014A.R.S. 13-1201, A.R.S. 13-705, and A.R.S. 13-3623.<\/span><\/p>\n

The various laws that can encompass child endangerment can be confusing, which is why our team at JacksonWhite is here to help clarify. If you have been charged with child endangerment, it\u2019s important to understand the potential penalties of a conviction and the options you have for a defense.<\/span><\/p>\n

Child Abuse Likely To Produce Death or Serious Injury<\/h2>\n

In the first of the two categories of felony child abuse, the abuse is deemed likely to produce death or serious physical injury. Because of the seriousness of the offense and the level of potential harm, this category comes with harsh penalties. It\u2019s important to note that in either of the two categories, a person is not required to have care or custody of the child to be charged with child endangerment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Classification of Child Abuse Likely To Produce Death or Serious Injury<\/h3>\n

According to<\/span> A.R.S. 13-1201<\/span><\/a>, endangerment of another person involving a substantial risk of imminent death is a class 6 felony. However, in cases of child endangerment or abuse, an offender is likely to be charged according to <\/span>A.R.S. 13-3623<\/span><\/a>, which classifies endangerment based on the following criteria:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. If the abuse was done intentionally or knowingly, it\u2019s a class 2 felony. If the victim is under the age of 15, the offender can be sentenced according to <\/span>A.R.S. 13-705<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. If the abuse was done recklessly, it\u2019s a class 3 felony.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. If the abuse was done because of criminal negligence, it\u2019s a class 4 felony.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    A.R.S. 13-705 is the third statute covering dangerous crimes against children. Dangerous crimes include sexual assault and first-degree murder of a minor. These crimes come with the harshest penalties under the law, ranging from a presumptive minimum of 13 years in prison to a presumptive maximum of 35 years.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Examples of Child Abuse Likely to Produce Death or Serious Injury<\/h3>\n

    Child abuse with a risk of serious injury or death can take many forms. An offender may commit serious child endangerment either intentionally or recklessly. Some examples that could lead to a charge include:<\/span><\/p>\n

    Intentional child abuse likely to produce death or serious injury may include:<\/span><\/p>\n