Statute of Limitations for Endangering the Welfare of a Child in NJ

If you’ve been accused of endangering the welfare of a child, it’s a serious and complex legal matter, but the charge is not without limitations that are set for important reasons, including protecting the rights of the accused. If you find yourself in this difficult position, it’s time to consult with an experienced Camden County child endangerment attorney.

Child Endangerment

The charge of child endangerment relates to any person’s failure to protect a child from harm. The charge overlaps with child abuse – which refers to purposefully or negligently harming a child physically, emotionally, or sexually – and with neglect which refers to failing to provide a child with the care parents and caregivers are required to provide. The charge of child endangerment is serious, but false accusations often happen – and protecting yourself legally from the outset is always advised.

All of the following qualify as endangering the welfare of a child in New Jersey:

• Driving drunk with a minor in the car
• Creating, viewing, or dispensing child pornography
• Statutory rape of a child who is under the age of 16

The Statute of Limitations

In New Jersey and elsewhere, there is no Statute of Limitations for certain sexual offenses.  When cases are older, it is often easier for Ms. Cohen to defend. In New Jersey, other crimes, such as endangering the welfare of a child, must be commenced within five years of the date of the offense.  However, if the victim is less than 18 years of age when the offense was committed, the State has five years after the victim turns 18 to bring charges.

Whichever comes later prevails. While the charge is a serious legal matter and while children’s rights are carefully protected by the State of New Jersey and throughout the nation, children’s memories are not particularly reliable, and children are extremely susceptible to suggestion. After a long time has passed, evidence is difficult to obtain, and it is possible to get a more favorable result.

Bringing Your Strongest Defense

If you’re charged with endangering the welfare of a child, bringing your strongest defense is key, and for that, you need skilled legal representation on your side. Ms. Cohen will ably tackle all the following primary tasks – in support of your legal rights and your case’s optimal outcome:

• Skillfully gathering and compiling all the available evidence, including everything that the prosecution and the police have
• Interviewing your witnesses
• Hiring an investigator to challenge the State’s witnesses
• Hiring experts to aid in your defense
• Strategizing an effective defense that is difficult to refute
• Engaging in negotiations with the prosecution in pursuit of a potentially beneficial plea bargain that reduces the charge against you and the attendant penalty
• Being well prepared to take your case to trial

An Experienced Camden County Child Endangerment Defense Attorney Is Standing By to Help

Jill Cohen at The Law Office of Jill R. Cohen is a practiced Camden County child endangerment attorney who began her legal career on the side of the prosecution, which informs her fierce advocacy for the accused and supports her impressive track record of successfully defending clients facing child endangerment charges. To learn more, please contact us online or call 856-830-6433 today.