Second Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child

Child Abuse Defense Lawyers, New Brunswick NJ

Under N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4 of the New Jersey Criminal Code, it is a crime of the second degree when a person possessing a duty of care to a child engages in sexual conduct that debauches or impairs the morals of the child.  Second degree endangering the welfare of a child also arises when a person responsible for the care of a child causes harm in a manner that renders the child abused or neglected in New Brunswick, Perth Amboy, Plainsboro, Edison, Piscataway or another town in Middlesex County. If you are facing allegations of endangering a child, you definitely want to consult a lawyer knowledgeable in this area of criminal law. A primary reason for this statement stems from the fact that it is almost a certainty that you will have to serve a state prison term if you are convicted of a second degree offense such as this at the Middlesex County Superior Court in New Brunswick. The attorneys at our firm include several former prosecutors, including Jason Seidman who was formerly with the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, and we possess over 100 years of collective experience defending criminal charges in New Jersey. In fact, we have a New Brunswick Office just a few feet from the county courthouse. Give us a call 732-246-7126 any time of day to discuss your endangering in the second degree charge with a skilled defense attorney.

Conduct That Can Result In A Second Degree Crime For Endangering

In accordance with N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4, a person may be found guilty of endangering a child in the second degree if they are a parent, guardian or someone entrusted with the care of a child and:

  1. Engage in sexual conduct that would debauch or impair the child’s morals;
  2. Harms the child in a manner that would render the child abused or neglected;
  3. Causes or permits the child to engage in prohibited sexual acts or the simulation of such acts for the purpose of filming or recording the act;
  4. Films or photographs a child performing a prohibited sexual act; or
  5. Receives films or photos of a child performing a prohibited sexual act for the purpose of selling or distributing the pornography.

Penalties

As stated previously, any of the five (5) varieties of endangering the welfare of a child previously set forth are second degree crimes. There is a presumption of incarceration that is triggered when someone is convicted of this offense. The prison term is between five (5) and ten (10) years. A fine of up to $150,000 may also be imposed.

Megan’s Law

In New Jersey, whenever an individual is convicted of a serious sex offense, Megan’s law applies. This law requires registration as a sex offender and other mandatory reporting requirements. There is also community supervision for life. What this means is that an individual will be subject to some form of supervision through probation or parole for their entire life when Megan’s law applies. Endangering the welfare of a child in the second degree falls under Megan’s law.

New Brunswick NJ Second Degree Endangering Lawyers

This grade of endangering is clearly very serious. There is an extremely high probability of jail if you are found guilty. You deserve the best opportunity to avoid the extreme penalties that can be imposed under 2C:24-4. The lawyers on our team can afford you this level of representation. An attorney at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall with the tools to insure you successfully defend your case is ready to assist you. Call us now at 732-246-7126 if your were arrested in Woodbridge, East Brunswick, Old Bridge, Sayreville and Monroe for endangering. Attorneys are available to help you or your family member with bail or any other issue.

Other Endangering the Welfare of a Child Resources To Assist You