If you or a loved one have been arrested for endangering or neglecting a child, posting bail is the only way to get out of jail before the trial date. Unfortunately, instantly finding the funds to do this can be quite difficult. Child engagement bail bonds often provide the best solution, and the Future Bail Bonds team can help with this assignment or any other type of domestic violence bail bonds.

Here’s everything you need to know about child endangerment laws in the State of California, as well as posting bail following an arrest.

What is child endangerment?

The concept of endangering a child isn’t difficult to understand and often relates to circumstances where a parent endangers the child without actively harming them. In fact, in many cases of child endangerment, a youngster isn’t injured but is put in a scenario where they could have been. In that sense, it is often a form of neglectful behavior.

From a legal perspective in the State of California, child endangerment comes under Penal Code 273.a. One of the crucial aspects of the law is that it states that an adult guilty of child endangerment will have acted “willfully”, thus meaning there would be an intention or knowledge of committing the act.

Child endangerment can take many examples, including but not limited to;

  • Not seeking medical treatment for a child who needs it.
  • Driving under the influence with a minor in the vehicle.
  • Leaving a firearm in an accessible spot for the child.
  • Allowing the child to come into contact with a dangerous animal.
  • Hiring a babysitter or childminder who puts your child in danger.

While child endangerment is a serious issue, it can often be linked to a single incident while an accusation does not necessarily mean that you will be found guilty. Either way, cheap bail bonds are probably the best way to secure your release from jail so that you can prepare your case and get back to a normal way of life.

How to respond after a child endangerment arrest

Being arrested for child endangerment is scary, and you certainly won’t want to spend unnecessary time in jail. Firstly, it’s important to remember that child endangerment is often an enhancement or secondary arrest that accompanies a domestic violence or DUI case. as such, your overall bail figure could be very high, which is why using a bail bonds agency is often the right choice. You pay a premium that is usually 10% of what the cash bail would be, and will subsequently gain your release from jail on the condition that you attend all hearings.

The California Courts state that you could face the following penalties following a conviction of child endangerment;

  • A fine of up to $10,000 if the child is killed, seriously injured, or in a situation where they could have been. 
  • A fine of up to $1,000 if the child was not placed in a life-threatening situation (a misdemeanor case).
  • Jail time of up to 12 months for a misdemeanor child endangerment.
  • Jail time of between 24 and 72 months for a felony case of child endangerment.

Accusations and bookings won’t always lead to a conviction, though. There are many possible defenses that could save you from a conviction. They include; false accusations, the child wasn’t your responsibility at the time, the event was an unforeseeable accident. With this in mind, hiring a local attorney that specializes in this type of case is crucial. Before you do this, though, you must first get out of jail by posting bail.

What about child neglect and child abuse?

While you could argue that child endangerment is a form of neglect or abuse, the courts have clear distinctions in their definitions. They are;

  • Child neglect (penal code 279): a parent of a minor child willfully omits, without lawful excuse, to furnish necessary clothing, food, shelter or medical attendance, or other remedial care:
  • Child abuse (penal code 273d): willfully inflicting “cruel or inhuman corporal punishment or an injury resulting in a traumatic condition” on a child.

Child endangerment is still a serious accusation that can lead to jail time if a conviction is made but it can be considered a step down from neglect and abuse, particularly when the case is linked to a single incident. 

As mentioned, though, child endangerment can be linked to a host of related crimes. Abandonment and failure to supervise a child’s school attendance are two of the most common examples, although plenty of others could be cited.

Child endangerment bail bonds made easy

Whether child endangerment charges are the only reason for your arrest or other accusations have been made, it is vital that you get your loved one out of jail right away. This will allow them to avoid the emotional, financial, and reputational damage that is often caused by spending time behind bars. 

Bail bonds allow you to post bail today, especially when using a reputable company like Future Bail Bonds. We offer fast, confidential bail bonds services for child endangerment cases and arrests in California supported by discrete, easy payment plans with no collateral needed. Bail can be posted online or by phone on a 24/7 abscess while our low prices and 0% financing availability make the road to freedom until trial far simpler.

Better still, we can approve applications within minutes and have bail posted ASAP so that your loved one does not have to be incarcerated for a moment longer than necessary.  

The final word on child endangerment cases in California

Child endangerment is a serious accusation, not least because it questions your capabilities as a parent. Whether you are found guilty or innocent, you must use this experience as an incentive to ensure that your child is never placed in a potentially harmful situation ever again. 

In the meantime, a quick release is the best way to give yourself a stronger platform between now and the trial date. Call us at (714) 515-5154 24/7 to find out more.