Child Endangerment Defense Attorneys in New Jersey

Experienced Former Prosecutors Defending Your Rights in Atlantic County, Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, and throughout New Jersey

Being accused of child endangerment is a serious and life-altering event. Before speaking with law enforcement, it is critical to consult with an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney. A conviction for child endangerment can carry severe consequences, including:

• Lengthy prison sentences
• Substantial fines
• Megan’s Law registration and lifetime parole supervision
• Restrictions on internet access
• Limitations on where you can live or work
• Permanent damage to your personal and professional reputation

At Lackey & Miller, LLC, we aggressively defend clients against false allegations and fight to protect their rights, freedom, and future. If your house has been searched, and your electronic devices seized, you need to immediately call a criminal defense attorney. If brought into custody, assert your right to remain silent and your right to counsel before answering any questions.

Dedicated Criminal Defense Attorneys Providing Personalized Representation

Our attorneys have extensive experience both prosecuting and defending child endangerment cases in New Jersey. These cases are often complex and require meticulous attention to detail. Our firm thoroughly examines all evidence, including:

• Search warrants
• Electronic device extractions
• Recorded conversations and wiretaps
• Statements from children
• Testimony from child psychology experts

We develop strategic defenses aimed at exposing weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Our goal is to have your charges dismissed or reduced, and if necessary, our skilled trial attorneys are prepared to fight for you in court and trial.

What Constitutes Child Endangerment in New Jersey?

Child endangerment encompasses a range of offenses under New Jersey law, typically involving allegations of child abuse or neglect. These charges may arise from:

• Physical or sexual abuse
• Negligent supervision resulting in injury to a child
• Child pornography (possession or distribution)
• Lewdness
• Child Molestation

New Jersey law broadly defines child abuse as any act of cruelty, neglect, endangerment, or sexual offense against a minor under the age of 18. Prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively, making it essential to have a skilled legal defense team on your side.

Common Child Endangerment Charges in New Jersey

There are multiple statutes under which a person can be charged with child endangerment. Some of the most common include:

• Endangering the Welfare of a Child
• Child Abuse and Neglect
• Possession or Distribution of Child Pornography
• Child Molestation
• Sexual Assault
• Lewdness

Each of these offenses carries severe penalties, and a conviction can have lifelong consequences.

What Are the Penalties for Child Endangerment in New Jersey?

The severity of a child endangerment charge determines the potential penalties. Depending on the circumstances, charges can range from a fourth-degree to a first-degree offense. In addition to prison time and fines, certain convictions may require Megan’s Law registration and Parole Supervision for Life.

New Jersey Sentencing Guidelines for Child Endangerment:

First-Degree Offense – 10 to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $200,000.00

Second-Degree Offense – 5 to 10 years in prison and fines up to $150,000.00

Third-Degree Offense – 3 to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $15,000.00

Fourth-Degree Offense – Up to 18 months in prison and fines of up to $10,000

Every case is unique, and the specific degree of charges you face will depend on the alleged conduct, any prior convictions, and other legal factors. Our attorneys at Lackey & Miller, LLC will thoroughly assess your case and build a strong defense strategy to minimize the consequences or seek dismissal of charges.

Megan’s Law Registration & Parole Supervision for Life

Certain child endangerment convictions require registration under Megan’s Law (N.J.S.A. 2C:7-2), which means your personal information may be made public. Violating registration requirements can result in additional charges and prison time.

Parole supervision for life, imposed under N.J.S.A. 2C:43-6.4, subjects individuals to strict monitoring, including:

• Regular check-ins with parole officers
• Restrictions on internet usage
• Unannounced searches of electronic devices
• Potential installation of monitoring software

After 15 years of parole supervision, an individual may petition for release, but this requires clear and convincing evidence of rehabilitation and a crime-free record. Our firm provides strategic legal representation to navigate this complex process.

Why Hire Lackey & Miller, LLC?

Choosing the right defense attorney can make all the difference in your case. At Lackey & Miller, LLC, we bring a unique perspective and a wealth of experience to every case we handle. Here’s why clients trust us:

• Former Prosecutors – We know how the State builds its cases, and we use that knowledge to craft effective defense strategies.
• Extensive Trial Experience – If your case goes to trial, you need a team that knows how to win in the courtroom.
• Comprehensive Case Investigations – We leave no stone unturned, reviewing every piece of evidence, witness statement, and legal angle.
• Personalized Legal Representation – We understand that every case is different and provide customized defense strategies tailored to your specific situation.
• Aggressive Defense Against False Allegations – We have successfully defended clients against wrongful accusations and weak prosecutions.

When your future is on the line, you need a legal team that will fight tirelessly for your rights. Let us put our experience to work for you.

Contact Lackey & Miller, LLC Today for a Strong Defense

If you are facing child endangerment charges in New Jersey, time is of the essence. The prosecution will aggressively pursue a conviction, but you have rights, and we are here to defend them.

Our experienced legal team at Lackey & Miller, LLC, understands the stakes and will fight tirelessly to protect your freedom and reputation. Contact us today for a confidential consultation and take the first step toward securing your future.