Dallas Child Abandonment Lawyer

Child abandonment is a serious crime in Texas, and if you are facing charges, it is important to seek legal help immediately. A child abandonment defense lawyer can help you understand the charges against you, explore your legal options, and fight to protect your rights.

What is Child Abandonment in Texas?

Child abandonment is defined in Texas Penal Code § 22.041 as the intentional act of leaving a child under the age of 15 in any place without providing for the child’s care or protection. The child must be exposed to an unreasonable risk of harm in order for the crime to be considered abandonment.

Penalties for Child Abandonment in Texas

The penalties for child abandonment in Texas vary depending on the circumstances of the case. If the child is not harmed, the crime is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000. If the child is harmed, the crime is a felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Rather obviously, the penalties for these charges are extremely serious, which is why you should never face them without a competent and skilled Dallas County criminal lawyer in your corner. Fortunately, if you’re reading this, you’ve come to the right place.

Defenses to Child Abandonment Charges

There are a number of defenses that can be raised to child abandonment charges. Some of the most common defenses include:

• Lack of intent to abandon the child
• Good faith belief that the child would be safe in the place where they were left
• Emergency circumstances that made it necessary to leave the child

Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are facing child abandonment charges, it is important to speak with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An experienced child abandonment defense lawyer can help you understand the charges against you, explore your legal options, and fight to protect your rights. Contact Spangler Law today so we can get started working on your case.