Child endangerment is when a person places the life or health of a child under 18 in danger or at risk. It is a serious crime in Illinois that can be treated as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the circumstances. A child endangerment offense not only carries serious criminal penalties but can also involve legal consequences beyond prison time and fines. This article will discuss those consequences and what constitutes child endangerment. If you have any questions about a child endangerment charge or if you need assistance with a particular case, contact an Illinois criminal defense attorney today.
What Is Considered Child Endangerment in Illinois?
Illinois law defines child endangerment as endangering the life or health of a child under 18 or placing the child in a situation that puts him or her in harm’s way. This is a fairly broad definition, so courts often determine child endangerment on a case-by-case basis. Still, there are certain scenarios that a reasonable person would know pose a danger to a child. Bringing a child into a drug den, for example, presents a clear risk to the child’s health.