Possible Charges for Daycare Employees
Sep 14 2021, by in Criminal Defense
Parents entrust the safety and well-being of their children with daycare providers every day. When a child is injured, police begin their criminal investigation with daycare employees. If you work at a Pennsylvania daycare and face criminal charges, get an experienced criminal defense lawyer to represent you.
Criminal Charges Against Daycare Employees
There are many different types of criminal offenses you could face as a daycare employee. Depending on the details of your case, some of these charges could include:
- Murder
- Attempted murder
- Aggravated assault on a victim under sixteen
- Unlawful contact with a child
- Child abuse
- Sexual abuse of a child
- Statutory rape
- Sexual exploitation of a child
- Luring a child to a motor vehicle
- Endangering the welfare of a child
Along with criminal charges, daycare operators may face civil lawsuits brought forward by the families of injured or harmed children. A Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyer helps clear your name and avoid prosecution.
Penalties When Daycare Employees are Convicted
The severity of the penalties you could face if convicted depends on your specific criminal charge.
For example, a charge of assault of a child under 12 years old is a first-degree misdemeanor. This crime is punishable by a prison term of up to five years and fines not to exceed $10,000.
However, murder or attempted murder of a child is a felony punishable by 40 years to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Collateral Consequences
You can also expect to deal with collateral consequences if you are found guilty of harming a child. These include:
- Difficulty with immigration or citizenship
- Child custody issues
- Difficulty finding gainful employment
- Finding affordable and safe housing
- Loss of firearm rights
- Revocation of your professional license
- Damage to your reputation
If you hope to get back to your life, you need to take action to defend yourself before you are found guilty in a Pennsylvania court of law.
Criminal Investigations with Daycare Employees in Pennsylvania
When there are suspicions of criminal activity in daycare centers in Pennsylvania, local law enforcement will usually open an investigation following a complaint. These complaints often come from a daycare employee who is obligated to report their findings to their supervisors and police.
Stay Silent and Ask for a Lawyer
Police will likely investigate discreetly before filing formal charges against a daycare employee. Law enforcement might try to speak with you before filing charges. Remember, the police and the prosecution can use anything you say against you in court.
Protect yourself by politely refusing to answer questions and requesting your criminal defense lawyer.
Get Help From a Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you are a daycare employee facing criminal charges, don’t wait. Get an experienced and dedicated Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyer on your side. Call Fienman Defense at 215-839-9529 or use our quick contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.