FAQ Category: Endangering the Welfare of a Child

The State does not have to show that the sexual conduct actually impaired or debauched the morals of the victim. In analyzing proof to determine whether the evidence demonstrates that the defendant’s conduct would tend to impair or debauch the morals of the child, the court evaluates the proof

The state has five (5) years from the date that the victim reaches 18 or two (2) years from discovery of the violation, whichever is later, to file a charge for endangering the welfare of a child.

The period of incarceration is 5-10 years for second degree endangering the welfare of a child and up to 5 years for a third degree charge for child abuse.  

N.J.S.A. 2C:52-2 precludes expungement of a conviction for endangering based on  sexual conduct that debauches or impairs the morales of a child. A criminal record for child abuse or neglect under 2C:24-4 is otherwise eligible for expungement.  

No. Endangering charges are brought by the state. It is up to the prosecutor to decide whether or not a 2C:24-4 offense is dropped.