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Woman Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter for Death of Infant

Posted by Joseph D. Lento | Oct 05, 2024 | 0 Comments

Sunbury police arrested Amanda Lynn Walton, 42, with involuntary manslaughter following the tragic death of a 1-year-old infant in her home. Walton called 911 after discovering the infant was not breathing. Emergency responders arrived quickly but were unable to revive the child, who was pronounced dead shortly after. The infant was found on a bed in Walton's bedroom. Walton initially told police the infant had been sleeping on the couch but later admitted to co-sleeping with the child on the couch after taking the prescription opioid addiction treatment Suboxone, which she admitted made her drowsy. During the investigation, officers discovered multiple packets of Suboxone throughout the home, including within reach of the other children in the residence. Police charged Walton with felony involuntary manslaughter and endangering the welfare of children. She remains in custody, awaiting her preliminary hearing. If you've been accused of any crime against children, you need the support of an aggressive defense team. Contact the LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team at 888.535.3686 or through our online form to discuss your case and legal options.

Understanding Child Endangerment in Pennsylvania

The concept of endangering the welfare of a child in Pennsylvania is broader than many realize. It's not limited to intentional harm or abuse—any situation where a child's safety is compromised while under adult supervision can potentially lead to charges. Pennsylvania law defines child endangerment as knowingly endangering a child's welfare by violating a duty of care, protection, or support. This applies to parents, guardians, or anyone supervising a child under 18. Even a single act can result in charges, while multiple acts may lead to felony charges or separate offenses.

Examples of child endangerment can include:

  • DUI with a child in the vehicle
  • Drug use or possession in a child's presence
  • Failure to use proper safety restraints
  • Neglect or failure to seek medical attention
  • Unsafe living conditions

The penalties for child endangerment in Pennsylvania are severe. A first-degree misdemeanor conviction can result in up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. If a pattern of behavior is established, it becomes a third-degree felony, carrying up to 3 ½ years of jail time and a $15,000 fine. These charges are life-altering and can lead to significant prison time and hefty fines. If you are facing such allegations, it is crucial to have an experienced defense attorney who understands the complexities of these charges and can build a strong defense strategy.

Get the Legal Support You Need with The LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team

If you are charged with endangering the welfare of children or any other crime involving minors, your freedom and future are at risk. The LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team is dedicated to fighting for your rights and working to secure the best possible outcome for your case. Contact the LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team today at 888.535.3686 or through our online form to discuss your case and begin building a strong case in your defense.

About the Author

Joseph D. Lento

"I pride myself on having heart and driving hard to get results!" Attorney Joseph D. Lento passionately fights for the futures of his clients in criminal courtrooms in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania as well as in New Jersey and nationwide. He does not settle for the easiest outcome, and instead prioritizes his clients' needs and well-being. With unparalleled experience occupying several roles in the criminal justice system outside of being an attorney, Joseph D. Lento can give you valuable behind-the-scenes insight as to what is happening during all phases of the legal process. Joseph D. Lento is licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, and is admitted pro hac vice as needed nationwide. In the courtroom and in life, attorney Joseph D. Lento stands up when the bell rings!

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The LLF Law Firm Team has decades of experience successfully resolving clients' criminal charges in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania counties. If you are having any uncertainties about what the future may hold for you or a loved one, contact the LLF Law Firm today! Our Criminal Defense Team will go above and beyond the needs of any client, and will fight until the final bell rings.

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

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