An altercation between a security guard at Jefferson Elementary School in Trenton ends with the security guard being arrested. According to the reports, the Defendant, a twenty-two year old female from Trenton, has been arrested and charged with among other things, endangering the welfare of a child. The charges stem from an incident back in June where it is alleged that the Defendant punched and scratched the neck of a third grade student. The charges were filed by the child’s mother on July 5th, however, the Defendant was not formally arrested until this past Thursday. The Defendant was most likely brought down to the police station to be processed and released on a summons. As opposed to being detained in the Mercer County Jail pending a Detention Hearing.
If it is determined that the Defendant had and/or assumed responsibility for the care of the child, then she will be charged with endangering the welfare of a child in the second degree. If it is determined that the Defendant did not have a responsibility to care for the child then she will be charged with endangering the welfare of a child in the third degree. In addition, the Defendant will also be charged with simple assault, which is a disorderly persons offense (misdemeanor). Regardless of the degree, endangering the welfare of a child is a very serious felony offense in New Jersey. If not handled properly, a Defendant could end up spending up to a decade behind bars and fined up to $150,000.
Endangering the Welfare of a Child Lawyer in Trenton NJ
If you have been arrested and charged with a criminal offense like endangering the welfare of a child, simple assault, aggravated assault on a police officer, stalking or terroristic threats, in Mercer County, the criminal lawyers at Keith Oliver Criminal Law can help. Our attorneys have dedicated their entire careers to defending those accused of crimes in courts throughout New Jersey, including courts in towns like Ewing, Lawrence, Hamilton, West Windsor, East Windsor, Hightstown or Robbinsville. If you would like to speak to one of our Mercer County criminal defense lawyers about your options then please contact us directly at 609-789-0779. As always, our initial consultations are free of costs.
