In a plot that seems borrowed from an episode of Law and Order, law enforcement arrived at a home to find a five-month-old baby and a dead body. Authorities later identified a woman, Heaven Maez, as the child's caretaker. The woman was subsequently charged with child endangerment. 

If you're facing charges of child endangerment or other domestic crimes in Pennsylvania, the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team can help. Such allegations can have long-term implications on your life. We help our clients navigate the criminal justice process. Call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online form. 

‘Barely Responsive' 

Derry Township Police arrived at an apartment after a request for a wellness check. They found the residence to be “extremely unsanitary and filthy.” Within the home were a dead man and a baby. The baby was naked with wounds and sores and barely responsive. 

The police allege that Maez had left the child the previous week. During that time period, police stated the child was without care or supervision. The man's death appeared to be from renal failure and was not considered suspicious.  

A week and a half after visiting the apartment, law enforcement located Maez and arrested her. She was subsequently taken to Dauphin County Prison and charged. 

Duty of Care 

Anyone who is in a caretaker role to a child has a duty of care, protection, and support to that child. This means they have a responsibility to not only care for a child but also ensure that the child is safe and has their basic needs met. An individual may be charged with child endangerment when they violate that duty of care. 

Parents or guardians don't have to actively abuse or neglect a child to face charges of child endangerment. Anytime they violate or risk a child's safety when that child should be under their supervision, individuals may be charged with child endangerment. 

ChildLine 

Pennsylvania takes protecting the well-being of children seriously. The state has ChildLine, which is a statewide referral system. The purpose of ChildLine is to provide a way for anyone to report suspected child abuse or child welfare concerns. The program receives approximately 170,000 reports annually.  

Following a report to ChildLine, government employees will investigate the claim. Each county operates its own ChildLine system, and the procedure may vary between counties. 

If an investigation finds a parent or other guardian did fail in their duty to a child, that adult may find themselves placed on the ChildLine registry. Individuals don't have to be convicted of a crime to be placed on the registry. Once on the registry, individuals may be limited in how they can participate in their community.  

Defend Your Future 

If you're facing charges of child abuse or endangerment, the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team can help. Allegations of mistreating a child can hurt your reputation and your employment prospects. For parents and guardians, such accusations could affect custody or visitation.  

The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team can help you understand what evidence a case requires and help you prepare defenses to the charges against you. Call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online form.