Recently in Florida, a substitute teacher was arrested and charged with child abuse for sharing a vape pen with a student. When confronted, the teacher admitted allowing a seventh grader to "take a hit" on her vape pen, saying she only wished to "fit in." This case is hardly isolated, with numerous other cases reported around the country.

• A group of California teachers was accused of providing alcohol to minors on a beach trip, leading to charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Although initially accused of inappropriate sexual conduct, the teachers faced only charges for providing alcohol to students.
• A NJ teacher gave vodka, vape pens, and cannabis oil to a 13-year-old, leading to a charge of endangering the welfare of a child.
• A Texas teacher was charged with display of harmful material to a minor when he inadvertently shared his screen containing pornographic images during class.

Sharing Prohibited Items With A Child is Illegal

It is a violation of the law to share products with a minor that they may not legally possess. Products containing nicotine, including vape pens, cannot be dispensed to those under 21. Alcohol laws vary by state, but dispensing or selling alcohol to anyone under 21 is illegal in every state. The legal age to possess or view pornography is 18. Cannabis laws vary by state, but providing cannabis or related products to an unrelated minor is illegal in every state.

Providing these items to a child may lead to a charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor or distributing pornography to a child. But the charges may become more serious quickly since allowing a child exposure to alcohol or pornography can be interpreted as the beginning of a grooming process for subsequent sexual abuse.

Investigations and Criminal Charges

You may become aware of allegations against you through notice of a Childline Investigation. An investigation into allegations of child abuse can ripple out and have a devastating effect on your life. If the investigation leads to criminal charges, the LLF Law Firm is able to represent you in counties throughout Pennsylvania.

"Grey Area" Cases

Sometimes, the charges of allowing access to pornography or illicit content are far more tenuous. Teachers may be accused of exposing a minor to illicit material that is part of a curriculum provided to them. Sometimes, teachers may allow access to banned books because they believe the book is of critical importance. While this may be true, sharing banned books can put a teacher in a vulnerable position. In these types of cases, experienced counsel will often be successful in avoiding criminal charges but must also contend with the loss of a job or teaching license for the teacher. The LLF Law Firm can manage both criminal and civil (teaching position and license loss) aspects of your case.

If you've been notified that you're under investigation for child abuse based on your teaching position, contact our Criminal Law Team at 888.535.3686. Alternatively, use the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team's online link to set up a confidential consultation.