Endangering a Child Could Soon Become a More Serious Crime in Maine

Even though Maine is a relatively safe place to live, terrible tragedies do occasionally happen in our state.

Most of us are at least somewhat affected by awful things that happen in our state, but nothing makes us sicker than hearing about the injury or death of a child.

Sadly, in recent years, we have heard far too many stories about the deaths of babies and toddlers.  Personally, hearing these stories makes me physically ill.

Of course, when it has been determined that a child was seriously injured or killed through the deliberate actions of an adult, that person is put on trial for crimes ranging from assault to murder.  In many cases, these people are convicted and sent to jail for many years.

READ MORE: Are You Really Brekaing the Law With Your March Madness Pool?

What if the person did not directly assault the child?  What if, instead, the injuries were a result of the negligence of a guardian?

In many cases, this is considered 'Endangering the Welfare of a Child".

The criminal statute covers a series of scenarios that could lead to a child being seriously injured or killed.  These include allowing a child access to drugs or alcohol, allowing the child access to a firearm, and failing to get a child necessary healthcare.

You can read the full details HERE.

You may be shocked to learn that Endangering the Welfare of a Child is not a felony.  Currently, in Maine, it is a misdemeanor.

According to a WABI article, some lawmakers want to increase the severity of the crime.  On Monday, a public hearing was held in Augusta to discuss making the crime a felony.

Proponents of the bill are in favor of it because of an uptick in the number of cases where a child has gotten into their parent's drug stash.

Opponents say they have concerns about how the lives of those who are wrongly accused will be affected by the charges.

This is not the first time an increase to the severity of the crime has been discuss.  There was a law similar to this one that had previously been passed by the committee and the Senate but did not make it past the House.

The bill now moves to a work session in committee.