In early September, Imani Lewis was charged with involuntary manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child after a 3-year-old nonverbal boy in her care drowned in a Tredyffrin Township pond in early September. Video footage showed Lewis distracted by her phone while the child played. After the boy went missing, a search led to his discovery that he was unresponsive in the pond. Despite life-saving efforts, he died. Lewis was arraigned with bail set at $100,000.

Although Lewis may not have intended to harm the child, Pennsylvania statutes define child endangerment as any situation where a child in an adult's care is knowingly exposed to risk, even without harmful intent. Parents, guardians, and caregivers may face significant legal repercussions for actions they might not have realized put the child in danger.

If you are facing child endangerment charges in Pennsylvania, you need experienced lawyers to represent your interests as soon as possible. Contact the skilled Criminal Defense Team of the LLF Law Firm immediately. We have helped numerous individuals charged with child-related charges and want to help you, too. Contact us today at 888.535.3686 or through our online contact form to discuss your case.

Elements of Child Endangerment in Pennsylvania

Under Pennsylvania law, a person may face child endangerment charges if two main elements are met. First, you must have been responsible for supervising the child's welfare. This duty applies not only to parents or guardians but also to any adult who has been entrusted with the care of a child, including coaches, babysitters, and teachers.

Second, the child must have faced potential harm, not actual harm, to face endangerment charges. A child doesn't actually have to suffer harm, just put at risk of harm. The law is intended to prevent situations that could lead to harm; thus, charges can be filed if the child was put at risk, even if they weren't injured, physically or mentally. Courts evaluate these cases based on what a reasonable person would consider dangerous for a child in a similar scenario.

Many people assume that intent is another element of child endangerment cases, but that's not the case in Pennsylvania. A person can be charged even if they did not intend to expose the child to harm. The critical factor is whether the child's safety was jeopardized due to the adult's actions or neglect.

Examples of Child Endangerment

Due to its broad language, Pennsylvania's child endangerment law can apply to a wide range of behaviors, including:

• Driving under the influence with a child in the vehicle
• Serving alcohol to a minor
• Leaving a child unsupervised or in the care of another child
• Hiring someone with a history of child abuse to provide care
• Failing to get medical care for a sick or injured child
• Exposing a child to illegal drugs or drug manufacturing
• Not reporting suspected child abuse
• Storing firearms improperly in a home with children
• Failing to use proper car safety measures for a child passenger

Penalties for Child Endangerment in Pennsylvania

Child endangerment can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the specifics of the case. A first-degree misdemeanor carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. A repeated pattern of endangering behavior can elevate the charge to a third-degree felony, which may bring a sentence of up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000–or more if the child is seriously injured.

Hire Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyers in Pennsylvania

If you've been arrested and charged with child endangerment in Philadelphia, contact the knowledgeable Criminal Defense Team at LLF Law Firm today. We can craft a robust, tailored defense aimed at achieving the best possible result. Call us at 888.535.3686 today or contact us online to schedule a consultation.