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Arkansas Code Title 5. Criminal Offenses § 5-27-205. Endangering welfare of minor--First degree

Current as of March 28, 2024 | Updated by FindLaw Staff

(a) A person commits the offense of endangering the welfare of a minor in the first degree if, being a parent, guardian, person legally charged with care or custody of a minor, or a person charged with supervision of a minor, he or she purposely:

(1) Engages in conduct creating a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury to a minor; or

(2) Deserts a minor less than ten (10) years old under circumstances creating a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury.

(b) Endangering the welfare of a minor in the first degree is a Class D felony.

(c)(1) It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution under this section that a parent voluntarily delivered a child to and left the child with or in, or voluntarily arranged for another person to deliver a child to and leave the child with or in, a medical provider, law enforcement agency, fire department, or a newborn safety device as provided in § 9-34-201 et seq.

(2)(A) Subdivision (c)(1) of this section does not create a defense to any prosecution arising from any conduct other than the act of delivering a child as described in subdivision (c)(1) of this section.

(B) Subdivision (c)(1) of this section specifically does not constitute a defense to any prosecution arising from an act of abuse or neglect committed before the delivery of a child to a medical provider, law enforcement agency, fire department, or a newborn safety device as provided in § 9-34-201 et seq.

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Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Arkansas Code Title 5. Criminal Offenses § 5-27-205. Endangering welfare of minor--First degree - last updated March 28, 2024 | https://codes.findlaw.com/ar/title-5-criminal-offenses/ar-code-sect-5-27-205/

Read this complete Arkansas Code Title 5. Criminal Offenses § 5-27-205. Endangering welfare of minor--First degree on Westlaw

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