Child Endangerment in Illinois
Child endangerment is a serious offense in Lake County, Illinois, carrying harsh penalties that can affect your freedom, reputation, and even your parental rights. Whether charged as a misdemeanor or felony, a conviction can lead to jail time, hefty fines, and long-term consequences.
What Is Considered Child Endangerment in Illinois?
Illinois law defines child endangerment as: Putting a child (under 18) in a situation that endangers their life or health.
That sounds broad—because it is. Courts evaluate cases individually, but some situations clearly put a child at risk.
Examples of child endangerment:
Bringing a child into a known drug house
Leaving a dangerous weapon such as a gun or knife within a child’s reach
Driving under the influence and/or reckless driving with a child in the car
Exposing a child to abusive or violent situations
Neglecting a child
One specific law in Illinois targets leaving a young child unattended in a vehicle. Under 720 ILCS 5/12C-5, it’s considered child endangerment if you leave a child under 6 years old alone in a car for more than 10 minutes, unless someone 14 or older is with them.
What Are the Penalties for Child Endangerment?
Your punishment depends on whether your charge is a misdemeanor or felony—and the severity of the situation.
🔹 First-time offense: Class A Misdemeanor
Up to 364 days in jail
Fines up to $2,500
🔹 Repeat offenses OR cases with serious harm: Class 3 Felony
2 to 5 years in prison
🔹 If the child dies (Aggravated Child Endangerment): Class 3 Felony
Prison sentence of up to 10 years
Long Term Impacts of a Child Endangerment Conviction
A child endangerment conviction doesn’t just mean jail time or fines—it can have lasting effects on your life:
A Permanent Criminal Record
Once convicted, child endangerment stays on your criminal record, making it harder to:
Get a job or college program admission
Lease approve to rent an apartment
Own a firearm
Vote (in felony cases)
Loss of Child Custody or Visitation Rights
If you’re a divorced parent, a conviction could lead to restricted custody or visitation. A judge may decide you pose a risk to your child’s well-being—especially if your case triggers an investigation by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
If You’re Facing Child Endangerment Charges, do not take these charges lightly. Even if you believe it was a misunderstanding, the legal system will not go easy on you.
Here’s what you need to do immediately:
Remain silent – Don’t discuss the case with anyone but your attorney.
Hire an experienced defense lawyer – A skilled attorney can help you fight the charges, reduce penalties, or even get the case dismissed.
Gather evidence – Witness statements, text messages, and other proof can help show your intent and the full context of the situation.
Child endangerment charges in Illinois can turn your life upside down—but you don’t have to face them alone. With the right legal strategy, you may be able to fight the charges, protect your parental rights, and move forward.
If you or someone you know is facing child endangerment accusations, don’t wait. Contact Lake County criminal defense attorney, Alan Lenczycki.
