In Ambridge, Pennsylvania, Manuel Turcios-Perez was arrested after allegedly using his 2-year-old daughter as a human shield during a standoff with police. The incident began as a domestic dispute, but Turcios-Perez escaped. Authorities tracked him down to a home on the following day, but Turcios-Perez barricaded himself inside, threatening harm to himself and escalating the situation as night approached.

After hours of unsuccessful negotiations, a SWAT team broke into the home. Upon entry, officers reported finding Turcios-Perez holding the child as a shield. After a struggle in which he attempted to grab an officer's weapon, the police subdued him and took him into custody. The 2-year-old was safely removed, evaluated by medics, and returned to her mother. Turcios-Perez now faces multiple charges, including child endangerment and resisting arrest.

Child endangerment is a grave crime with life-changing consequences if you're convicted. If you have been arrested for child endangerment, you need experienced lawyers to help you as soon as possible. Contact the skilled Criminal Defense Team of the LLF Law Firm immediately. We have helped numerous individuals charged with crimes in Pennsylvania and want to help you, too. Contact us today at 888.535.3686 or through our online contact form to discuss your case.

Understanding Child Endangerment in Pennsylvania

Because children are among the most vulnerable members of our society, Pennsylvania takes their safety very seriously. Child endangerment is defined by law as a situation in which any parent, guardian, or adult responsible for a child under 18 knowingly fails to fulfill their duty of care, protection, or support, thereby placing the child at risk. In addition, any individual in an official capacity commits a child endangerment offense if they intentionally prevent or interfere with the reporting of suspected child abuse.

An individual may be found guilty of this crime even if the child under their care was not injured or otherwise harmed. If your actions endanger a child's welfare, whether intentionally or neglectfully, you may be convicted of child endangerment.

Common Types of Child Endangerment

Some actions that can be classified as child endangerment include:

• Driving under the influence with a child as a passenger
• Using, possessing, or producing illegal drugs in the presence of a child
• Situations where a spousal conflict accidentally harms the child
• Leaving a child unsupervised or in an unsafe environment
• Giving alcohol to a minor
• Leaving a child alone in a vehicle
• Failing to get necessary medical care for a child
• Forcing a child to live in unsanitary conditions
• Causing bodily harm due to excessive physical discipline

Penalties for Child Endangerment

Penalties for child endangerment can vary based on the circumstances. Typically, child endangerment is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor, with penalties of up to five years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. However, in cases where endangerment is part of a repeated or patterned behavior, the charge may be elevated to a third-degree felony, which can result in a prison sentence of 3.5 to 7 years and fines of up to $15,000.

We Want to Help You

If you've been charged with child endangerment in Philadelphia, contact the knowledgeable Criminal Defense Team at LLF Law Firm today. We help you form a strong defense, such as proving that the allegations were false or that your child was never at risk. Let us help you achieve the best outcome possible in this situation. Call us at 888.535.3686 today or contact us online to schedule a consultation.