A report of domestic assault in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, recently led to the arrest of two individuals for endangering the welfare of children. When state police were called to the 7490 block of Lincoln Highway in Shade Township, they were initially investigating an alleged domestic assault that may have involved two shots being fired. While investigating the home, state police found a child living in “deplorable conditions.”

Endangering the welfare of children is a serious charge in Pennsylvania. If you've been accused of such a crime, getting to work on your defense right away should be among your top priorities.

Our Criminal Defense Team at the LLF Law Firm is prepared to offer the legal assistance you need in these circumstances. Learn more about how we can help with your case through our online contact form or by calling our offices at 888-535-3686 today.

Two Central City Adults Charged With Endangering the Welfare of Children

On Tuesday, May 21, state police investigating alleged domestic assault arrested Melissa Monaghan, 40, and Allen Hitechew, 39, both of Central City.

Monaghan faces charges of aggravated assault, simple assault, terroristic threats, and two counts of endangering the welfare of children. Hitechew faces a single count of endangering the welfare of children.

The case is still developing. It remains unclear exactly what types of conditions the child living with Monaghan and Hitechew allegedly endured. The specific details of the conditions may influence the outcome of these cases.

Endangering the Welfare of Children in Pennsylvania: Essential Legal Information

Endangering the welfare of children is usually a misdemeanor of the first degree in Pennsylvania. It becomes a felony of the third degree if someone “engaged in a course of conduct of endangering the welfare of a child,” meaning they endangered the welfare of a child on more than one occasion.

Endangering the welfare of children also becomes a felony of the third degree if the party accused of the crime put the child at risk of serious bodily injury or death. If they put the child at risk of serious bodily injury or death while engaged in a course of conduct of endangering the welfare of a child, the crime becomes a felony of the second degree.

A child's age can also affect the seriousness of this charge. Under Pennsylvania law, the grading of the offense increases by a single grade if a child was under the age of six when the alleged offense happened. For example, a felony of the third degree becomes a felony of the second degree when the child involved is younger than six.

A Proper Defense Is Essential

Many factors can influence the consequences someone may face when they're charged with endangering the welfare of children in Pennsylvania. If you're charged with a felony, you could be looking at potential prison time. Even if you avoid prison, any charge of this nature could jeopardize your right to see your children.

The courts take these charges seriously. You need to as well.

Help is available when you've been accused of putting a child in harm's way in Pennsylvania. The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team offers the experience and track record you need when seeking attorneys to handle your case. Get started today by calling us at 888-535-3686 or submitting our online contact form.