Child Endangerment Charges Reduced to Misdemeanors

Felony child endangerment charges as well as felony animal cruelty charges were assessed against five adults that were living in a Santa Ana home with two children and over 100 cats. Police were alerted that a home appeared to be the possible location of a "cat hoarder" so a representative with the department's animal services unit went to investigate. That is when it was discovered that at least 110 cats were living at the residence. There were five adults living at the house as well: S.H. and J.H. (both in their mid to late 60s), their daughter and son-in-law (both in their early 40s) and three grand children aged 23 (C.P.), 12 and six years old. The animal services worker claimed that the house was in disarray and the floors and walls were covered with cat feces and urine. The smell of urine was reportedly so strong that the workers' eyes and throat were burning after 10 minutes inside despite the use of breathing masks. All five adults in the home were initially charged with the multiple felony counts of child endangerment and animal cruelty. Consult with a criminal defense lawyer now if you have been charged with a felony offense.

Judge Reduces some of the Charges against the Five Residents

An Orange County judge recently reduced the charges against several of the adult family members involved in the incident. Attorneys representing the parents of the two children argued that there was no evidence that the children had ever been harmed or appeared dirty to teachers, police or other officials. Additionally, the room where the two young kids and their parents slept was kept clean and free of cats. The judge reduced the felony child endangerment charges to misdemeanors but the grandmother and adult granddaughter are still facing felony charges for animal cruelty.

All adult members of the family are scheduled to be arraigned in early December. The grandfather and the two parents of the kids could be punished with up to two years imprisonment if convicted of misdemeanor child endangerment. The grandmother and adult granddaughter, each facing two counts of misdemeanor child endangerment and a count of felony animal cruelty, could receive up to five years imprisonment if convicted.

Are you facing serious criminal charges?

Contact the Law Office of Bruce C. Bridgman today to find out what their experienced legal team may be able to do for your case. The criminal defense attorneys with the firm are passionate about fighting for their client's rights and freedom and may be able to get the results you are looking for!