This time of year, unfortunately, it is not unusual to hear of a child being left in a hot car. One recent incident that comes to mind occurred just last month when a Missouri woman and her friend allegedly left a child in a hot car to shop at a Pea Ridge Walmart that she claims she forgot about. This type of incident seems to clearly define child endangerment, but what about other things that are considered to be child endangerment. In Arkansas and most other states, they range from exposure to illegal drugs in certain environments to leaving a child unattended. Child endangerment laws were created to protect the mental and physical well-being of minors from individuals legally responsible for their care. The penalties also vary from felonies to misdemeanors. Some examples of child endangerment are:
Child endangerment charges depend upon the specific circumstances distinguished by the severity of whether the responsible adult created an environment that poses a risk, knowingly behaved in a way to cause harm or injury and if his or her behavior led to harm or injury.
Additionally, the Arkansas Child Maltreatment Act was enacted to protect minors from exposure to illegal drugs. In particular, it targets those who attempt to sell or give drugs to minors, sell drugs near schools, skate parks or any other area where minors are known to gather. The act also makes it illegal to manufacture drugs in the presence of minors. In addition to penalties for narcotics possession or distribution, the Child Maltreatment Act can add an additional 10 years to any sentence.
If you suspect a person is endangering a child, it is important to report it to the appropriate authorities. A publication regarding law enforcement’s response to child abuse by the U.S. Department of Justice appropriately stated that child abuse is a community problem because no single agency has all the necessary resources to intervene effectively in child abuse cases. The publication went on to state that unfortunately, children are the perfect victims and the most difficult for law enforcement to investigate. On the other side of the coin, it is a crime to make false allegations of child abuse/maltreatment under Arkansas Code § 12-18-203. The first offense for making a false report is a Class A misdemeanor and any made thereafter are Class D felonies.
We have many clients come to us suspecting an ex or soon-to-be-ex of child abuse/maltreatment, but aren’t sure what to do. Our first advice is to always contact the appropriate authorities and then we will start building an appropriate case against the other parent to change custody and/or visitation agreements. Don’t hesitate another day, your child’s well-being depends on you.
Things are about to get better. Call us.
(479) 434-2414 Fort Smith • (479) 802-6560 NWA
Mon - Fri 8:30 - 5:00
(Closed 12:00pm - 1:00pm)