Monmouth County NJ Endangering the Welfare of a Child Defense Lawyers

Endangering the welfare of a child is a serious charge that encompasses a host of sexual offenses, including those involving the possession and distribution of child pornography. The degree of these charges can range from first to fourth-degree crimes, depending on the circumstances of the specific alleged offense, as well as the defendant’s relationship to the alleged victim. For example, engaging in sexual conduct which would impair or debauch the morals of a minor (classified as a person below the age of 16) can result in third-degree charges. However, if you are performing a supervisory role at the time of the alleged offense, you may be subject to second-degree charges, which entail even more severe penalties.

Regardless of the specific offense for which you have been accused, endangering the welfare of a child cases are all adjudicated at the Superior Court in the county where the alleged crime occurred. These charges are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law due to their status as sex crimes and the involvement of juvenile victims. As a result, it is crucial to obtain an experienced and dynamic defense attorney who can serve as your legal advocate and work to protect your rights and reputation throughout this difficult time.

The attorneys at Chamlin, Uliano & Walsh have developed an extensive body of skills through their tireless work on behalf of clients accused of sex crimes in Monmouth County and throughout New Jersey. To discuss your case with one of the talented members of our defense team, contact our West Long Branch office today at 732-440-3950.

Endangering the Welfare of a Child in New Jersey: N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4

New Jersey Law outlines charges for endangering the welfare of a child in N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4, providing the following with regard to these offenses:

a. Any person having a legal duty for the care of a child or who has assumed responsibility for the care of a child who engages in sexual conduct which would impair or debauch the morals of the child, or who causes the child harm that would make the child an abused or neglected child is guilty of a crime of the second degree. Any other person who engages in conduct or who causes harm (as described in the statute) to a child under the age of 16 is guilty of a crime of the third degree.

b. A person commits a crime of the second degree if he causes or permits a child to engage in a prohibited sexual act or in the simulation of such an act if the person knows, has reason to know or intends that the prohibited act may be photographed, filmed, reproduced, or reconstructed in any manner, including on the Internet, or maybe part of an exhibition or performance. If the person is a parent, guardian or other person legally charged with the care or custody of the child, the person is guilty of a crime of the first degree.

c. A person who photographs or films a child in a prohibited sexual act or in the simulation of such an act or who uses any device, including a computer, to reproduce or reconstruct the image of a child in a prohibited sexual act or in the simulation of such an act is guilty of a crime of the second degree.

d. A person who knowingly receives for the purpose of selling or who knowingly sells, procures, manufactures, gives, provides, lends, trades, mails, delivers, transfers, publishes, distributes, circulates, disseminates, presents, exhibits, advertises, offers or agrees to offer, through any means, including the Internet, any photograph, film, videotape, computer program or file, video game or any other reproduction or reconstruction which depicts a child engaging in a prohibited sexual act or in the simulation of such an act, is guilty of a crime of the second degree.

e. A person who knowingly possess or knowingly views any photograph, film, videotape, computer program or file, video game or any other reproduction or reconstruction which depicts a child engaging in a prohibited sexual act or in the simulation of such an act, including on the Internet, is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.

Penalties for Endangering the Welfare of a Child in New Jersey

Endangering the Welfare of a Child as a First Degree Crime: punishable by a term of incarceration ranging from 10 to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison

Endangering the Welfare of a Child as a Second Degree Crime: punishable by a term of incarceration ranging from 5 to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison

Endangering the Welfare of a Child as a Third Degree Crime: punishable by a term of incarceration ranging from 3 to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison

Endangering the Welfare of a Child as a Fourth Degree Crime: punishable by a maximum term of 18 months in New Jersey State Prison.

Contact Ocean Twp. NJ Endangering the Welfare of a Child Lawyers for Help with Your Case

For additional information as to how the Monmouth and Ocean County criminal defense lawyers at Chamlin, Uliano & Walsh can assist you in successfully resolving your endangering the welfare of a child case, contact our West Long Branch office at 732-440-3950. A member of our legal team will be pleased to provide you with a free consultation.