Collin County Attorney Defending Clients Accused of Child Abandonment
At The Crowder Law Firm, P.C., we understand that accusations involving children are among the most emotional and complex in criminal law. While some charges may stem from intentional harm—such as abuse or assault—others are based on how a caregiver is perceived to have acted. The offense of child abandonment, for instance, often centers around subjective opinions and circumstances that can be misinterpreted.
If you’ve been arrested or charged with abandonment or neglect, it’s critical to have an experienced lawyer who understands the law and is ready to fight for your future. Attorney Darlina Crowder has dedicated more than 20 years to criminal defense and has earned over 300 not-guilty verdicts and acquittals for her clients. She and her trusted legal team offer strategic, personalized guidance and a strong defense focused on protecting your rights, reputation, and freedom.
Texas Penal Code: Child Abandonment and Endangerment
Although terms like neglect and abandonment are commonly used together, Texas law differentiates between the two. “Neglect” is generally addressed in the Texas Family Code and relates to parental duties, while the Texas Penal Code criminalizes behavior that rises to abandonment or endangerment.
According to Section 22.041 of the Penal Code, a person can be charged with child abandonment if they leave a child under 15 years old in any location without providing “reasonable and necessary care” and the situation exposes the child to an unreasonable risk of harm. The degree of the charge depends on the defendant’s intent and the danger to the child:
State jail felony: if the person intended to return.
Third-degree felony: if there was no intent to return.
Second-degree felony: if the abandonment involved immediate danger of serious injury or death.
A second-degree felony conviction can result in up to 20 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Defending Clients in Collin, Denton & Tarrant Counties
At The Crowder Law Firm, P.C., we understand that these cases often come down to whether a person’s actions were “reasonable.” But what’s reasonable can vary significantly between people—and it’s often influenced by emotional responses rather than facts. The state must prove that your conduct placed the child at real and substantial risk and that your decisions were not made in good faith.
That’s where our team steps in. We begin by launching a thorough investigation into the facts of your case. Was the child ever truly unsupervised? Were you gone for a brief moment or in a controlled environment? Did you believe the child was safe at the time? These questions matter, and we’ll make sure your side is heard.
With every case, we strive to demonstrate that our client acted responsibly or had no malicious intent. Whether you are facing exaggerated claims or charges from a misunderstanding, our firm will fight tirelessly to build the strongest defense possible and minimize the long-term consequences.
Speak With a Trusted Criminal Lawyer Today
Don’t let a momentary lapse in judgment—or a mischaracterization of your actions—destroy your future. If you’ve been charged with child abandonment or are under investigation, call our office today. Contact The Crowder Law Firm, P.C. at 817-936-3167 to schedule your free, confidential consultation and case review.
Based in Plano, we proudly serve clients in McKinney, Dallas, Fort Worth, Denton, Garland, Frisco, Collin County, Denton County, Tarrant County, Grayson County, and across North Texas.
Se habla Español.