Dallas Child Endangerment Lawyer (2023) | North Texas Defense
What is Child Endangerment in Texas?
Endangering a child in Texas can be charged when a person places a child under age 15 in danger of death, bodily injury, or physical or mental impairment, according to Texas Penal Code 22.041.
In Texas, child endangerment can be by act or omission, and either can be done intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or negligently.
If you are facing a child endangerment charge, contact a Dallas child endangerment lawyer at Varghese Summersett. Our team includes Board Certified Criminal Attorneys and former prosecutors with more than a century of combined experience.
In this post, we’ll explain Texas’ child endangerment offense, the penalties, and how to handle a child endangerment investigation.
What Constitutes Child Endangerment in Texas?
In Texas, a charge of child endangerment can stem from the following situations:
- Manufacturing methamphetamines in the presence of a child.
- Making methamphetamine accessible to a child, and the child has methamphetamine in their system.
- Using a Penalty Group One substance around a child.
Penalty Group 1 substances include, among others:
- Cocaine
- Crack
- Codeine
- Heroin
- Fentanyl
- Opium
- Oxycodone
- Methadone
- Methamphetamine
Experts in Criminal Law
We are experts in criminal defense. In fact, only Board Certified lawyers can claim to be experts in a practice area. Benson Varghese, Anna Summersett, and Letty Martinez are Board Certified Criminal Specialists. We are also experienced trial lawyers. Our partners have gone to trial at least 100 times, individually. Finally, the prosecutors know what we bring to the table – and that affects both plea negotiations as well as
What is the Penalty for Texas Child Endangerment?
A Texas child endangerment offense is a State Jail Felony, punishable by 180 days to two years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
Statutory Defense for Child Endangerment
In Texas, it’s a defense against child endangerment charges that the act or omission allowed the child to engage in an athletic activity or practice with the appropriate safety equipment.
This is merely a statutory defense, meaning that it is one provided for specifically by statute. There are many other defenses that apply that are not listed in the statute.
What Should I Do if Police Suspect I Endangered a Child in Texas?
If law enforcement suspects you of child endangerment, an officer or detective will likely contact you to ask questions about what happened. Before talking to law enforcement, it’s imperative to retain a Dallas child endangerment lawyer before considering talking to the police.
Important: Do not talk to the police without an attorney, no matter the nature of the offense.
Most people don’t realize the police are legally allowed to lie to suspects. And most officers have years of experience and training to draw out the answers they seek.
It’s also likely that Child Protective Services will get involved in the investigation. CPS has an enormous range of power to force you to talk in most situations because if you don’t, they can ask a court to ensure you no longer have access to your child. Nonetheless, we advise you not to speak to CPS in most cases.
Furthermore, everything you say to a CPS agent will be sent to the police and probably used against you.
Are you or a family member facing Dallas Child Endangerment?
If you or a loved one is under investigation for child endangerment, contact an experienced Dallas child endangerment lawyer immediately. The team at Varghese Summersett includes Board Certified criminal attorneys and former prosecutors with decades of experience.
During a complimentary consultation, we’ll discuss the facts of the allegation and review the legal issues at stake and potential defense strategies.
Call us at 214-903-4000 or contact us online.
