NJ Endangering the Welfare of a Child - 2C:24-4

Our Approach

As NJ Endangering the Welfare of a Child lawyers, we are committed to fighting your criminal charges.
You will benefit from our extensive trial experience.
Most importantly, we will be honest about your chances of winning your case.
We never guarantee results.
However, we absolutely guarantee that we will aggressively fight for you!

Your case is as important to us as it is to you. Each case is different and we welcome the opportunity to protect & defend you.

When you hire us, you will get complete access to us. We respond to all communications & love answering questions.
Our fees are reasonable and we offer payment plans.

What is the sentence for endangering the welfare of a child?

Second-Degree Felony

Fine – Up to $15,000
Sentence – Up to 5 years in prison

Third-Degree Felony

Fine – Up to $150,000
Sentence – Up to 10 years in prison

Under the New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 2C:29-2), a person is guilty when he or she purposely prevents a law enforcement officer from effecting a lawful arrest. Here are some examples of resisting arrest:

Deliberately stopping a police officer from making an arrest.
Attempting to stop a police officer from making an arrest.
Deliberately stopping or attempting to stop an arrest by fleeing the scene.

More Penalties - NJ Megan's Law

Whenever you get convicted of a serious sex offense, Megan’s law applies.
This means that you will have to register as a “sex offender”.
You will have to notify the local police department that you are on the sex offender list & let them know where you live.
In addition, if you are convicted of an “internet sex crime” like child pornography, you will never be allowed to use the internet.

Endangering the welfare of a child in the second degree falls under Megan’s law.

Do I Have A Right To A Trial??

You absolutely have a right to a trial.
Our Jersey City Criminal Lawyers will prepare your defense and take your matter to trial.
Remember: You are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

§ 2C:24-4 ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF A CHILD

(1) 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 is guilty of a crime of the second degree. Any other person who engages in conduct or who causes harm as described in this paragraph to a child is guilty of a crime of the third degree.

(2) Any person having a legal duty for the care of a child or who has assumed responsibility for the care of a child who causes the child harm that would make the child an abused or neglected child as defined is guilty of a crime of the second degree. Any other person who engages in conduct or who causes harm as described in this paragraph to a child is guilty of a crime of the third degree.

Examples of behavior that can get you charged with 2nd-degree endangering the welfare of a child

Engage in sexual conduct that would debauch or impair the child’s morals;
Harms the child in a manner that would render the child abused or neglected;
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;
Films or photographs a child performing a prohibited sexual act; or
Receives films or photos of a child performing a prohibited sexual act for the purpose of selling or distributing pornography.
DYFS hearings
Driving while intoxicated while a minor is in the vehicle

famous cases dealing with endangering the welfare of a child

State v Hackett – Defendant convicted of third-degree endangering welfare of children , arising from his standing nude in his house in view of girls waiting at the school bus stop.
State v Johnson – Defendant’s conduct in which he requested a photograph of victim’s breasts on a social networking website was “sexual conduct” within the meaning of statute governing endangering the welfare of a child , though defendant alleged that his message was a joke and nothing more
State v Bryant – Conviction for endangering welfare of child did not require proof that defendant knew that his sexual conduct would impair or debauch victim’s morals.

Legal Defenses

This is a very difficult question to answer.

For example, you may get arrested because of a “false accusation”.
Oftentimes, these cases come out of DYFS investigations.
If you are facing child support problems, the parent of your child may lie about you to get the upper hand.

It is important to examine all of the evidence against before we develop a defense theory.

important tip: Be Patient! You will Get Your Day in Court

Remember, when you talk to a police officer, everything you say can & will be used against you.
Do not try to explain your story to a police officer. There is always time for that.
If you make a mistake while you are telling your story to a police officer, this becomes evidence against you.
Be patient and hire a NJ Endangering the Welfare of a Child lawyer to help you with your criminal case.

If you would like to meet with us to discuss your case, we offer FREE consultations.

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