Well intentioned people are often the victims of bad situations. We have laws in place in this state that are designed to punish the guilty, protect the innocent, and assure the public that our system of justice is both truthful and balanced. But for the accused, the scales of justice often appear out of whack and totally one sided, especially if they thought they were doing the right thing.
Seemingly Minor Decisions Can Have Unexpected Consequences
On July 1, 2014 a North Augusta mother decided to let her 9-year-old daughter spend a day at a neighborhood park, unattended, while she worked her daily shift at a nearby fast food chain. The mother decided that since the weather had been so nice, it was better for the young girl to spend the day playing outside instead of cooped up in a burger joint or stuck indoors at home for over 7 to 8 hours. As you can imagine, the mother could not afford to pay for any day care for her child while she was at work and apparently did not have anyone available to watch the little girl during the day.
The mother, doing what she thought was best and with few other options available, decided to let her child hang out at the park for the day. The child apparently had a cell phone on her in case of emergency and enough pocket change to be able to get something to eat when she got hungry. This arrangement worked out fine for the first couple of days, as the mother would return to the park after work and collect her child without incident. But on the third day, a concerned citizen who had seen the girl playing in the park earlier in the day finally approached her, asked where her mother was, and consequently called the authorities once the truth came to light.
Aftermath
The mother was called away from work and arrived at the station. Apparently not realizing the gravity of the situation, she confessed to leaving her child in the park on more than one occasion. Subsequently she was taken into custody by the North Augusta Public Safety Department and booked on a charge of unlawful conduct toward a child. This law falls under South Carolina Children’s Code, Chapter 5, Article 1. This is a felony crime and convictions can carry substantial fines and jail sentences of up to 10 years per count.
Currently the mother is still in jail and her case has been presented before the 2nd judicial circuit solicitor’s office for processing and eventual adjudication. The little girl has been turned over to the Department of Social Services pending the outcome of her mother’s case and subsequent investigation.
As a result, a family has been put into turmoil and its future is hanging in the balance, all because of a single decision that was made during a difficult time and with the very best of intentions.
Contact a South Carolina Attorney
If you ever find yourself in a similar situation with the weight of the world on your shoulders, your back against the wall, and the cops, state attorneys, and their investigators all lined up against you, you will need someone trustworthy who is willing to stand in your corner with confidence, competence, and knowledge of the law.
At the McGrath Law Firm, P.A., we have a team of attorneys who have successfully defended individuals facing criminal prosecution for drug offenses, juvenile charges, and DUI. Let us guide you through the entire process and put our knowledge, skills, and experience to work in helping ensure you receive a fair trial and raise a vigorous defense. Contact us today at 843-606-2755 so we can get started on your case right away.