Child Abandonment Due to DUI in Michigan

Driving under the influence with a child under the age of 18 in the car is against the law, but it is not technically a form of child abandonment. If you drive drunk with your child in the car, you could face child endangerment charges. Child endangerment is similar to child abandonment in that it involves a refusal to provide physical, emotional, medical, or institutional care for a child, but it differs in the amount of time it takes to warrant charges, and in the laws, that apply. Child endangerment can happen immediately. For example, driving drunk with your child in the car one time may result in child endangerment charges. To be charged with child abandonment, however, you have to exhibit consistent behavior for a substantial period of time.

Child abandonment charges can result due to alcohol abuse, however. If a person is unable to properly care for a child due to the influence of alcohol, he or she could eventually face abandonment charges. Always consult a lawyer if you believe you are facing a criminal investigation and find out exactly what you are up against.

Child Abandonment Defined in Michigan

Child abandonment is when a parent or guardian purposefully withholds physical, financial, or emotional support from a child under the age of 18. It is against the law in the state of Michigan and is punishable by fines, imprisonment, probation, or a combination of the three. If you have been wrongfully accused of child abandonment, it is crucial to contact a defense attorney as soon as possible. Your CPS/OWI lawyer will help protect you and your family throughout the investigation process, doing everything in his or her power to ensure the truth is revealed.

Child abandonment can be grounds for termination of parental rights. If you want to protect your custody rights, connecting with an attorney is the first step. He or she will review the details of your case and construct an approach to your defense that showcases your dedication as a parent.

What Actions Constitute Child Abandonment Charges?

Child abandonment laws are in place to protect individuals that depend on adults for care and support. The laws vary state to state, but there are a few actions that are commonly agreed upon as child abandonment. If you do any of the following, you may face criminal charges:

• Leaving your child at home along for a substantial period of time, during which harm may have occurred.
• Failure to respond to CPS notices.
• Failure to maintain regular visits.
• Refusing to support or communicate with your child.
• Leaving a baby anywhere except a designated safe haven.
• Leaving your child with someone else without establishing a plan to provide care and support.
• Failing to provide supervision.

If you have been accused of any of the following, it is important to reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible. Obtaining legal representation is the first step in fighting back and proving your innocence.

Child abandonment and child abuse charges often go hand in hand and are charged as felonies. In some states, child abandonment is a misdemeanor unless the details of the case suggest it is more serious. To learn more about Michigan’s laws regarding child abuse, hire the Grabel & Associates team. Our attorneys have ample experience defending parents mixed up in unjust charges and are ready to put their knowledge to work for you.

Our Commitment to Defend Our Client During Child Endangerment

We are committed to keeping your best interests in mind throughout every stage of your case. We will walk you through every legal option to help you determine what is best for you and your family. Unlike other defense attorneys that rely on a one-size-fits-all approach to defense, we take pride in reviewing every detail of your unique case before crafting a custom defense that fits your needs. If you need help navigating the important, early stage of your child endangerment case, give us a call today.

Contact Us for DUI and CPS Defense in Michigan

A member of our staff can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via our online contact form or by phone. Simply dial 1-800-342-7896 to get in touch with a skilled case analyst. We will provide you with a complementary case consultation and advise you of the best course of action to set you up to receive your desired results. When your future and the future of your family is on the line, do notwaste any time. Give Michigan’s premier defense firm a call right now.