“Endangering welfare of children” has many different definitions and interpretations of it but the most precise one is a parent, guardian, or a supervising person watching someone under the age of 18 commits a crime by knowingly endanger the child by violating a duty of protection, care, or support.
Punishment for a endangering a child can range very far on the spectrum of offenses. A small offense could land you a 1st degree misdemeanor and a more serious offense you could possibly end up with a 3rd degree felony. If you think this has happened to someone you know or your own child call a Bucks County divorce lawyer or a Bucks County criminal lawyer to discuss your legal rights and protections and defenses.
In the case of Commonwealth v. Lilley, it’s tricky because some think the sentence of 27-54 months is a little excessive for a 3rd degree misdemeanor.
In 2009 the Superior Court of Pennsylvania deemed the sentencing of Mr. Lilley not excessive, and upheld his conviction of 27-54 months in prison. A lot of people of people might be asking themselves why is a 1st degree misdemeanor could be up to 27-54 months in jail? Well a lot of people did not know that while on the stand the defendant admitted to sexually assaulting a girl sometime in 2005. Because of the admission of the sexual assault, the judge raised the sentence. If you want to know more about this case please visit: Commonwealth v. Lilley 978 A.2d 995 (Pa. Super 2009)