A 26 year-old Broward County is facing five counts of child neglect, each count a 3rd degree felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
The woman is accused of leaving her 5 children home alone while she went to work. The home apparently had no phone or electricity. It is further alleged that the woman would give the children sleeping pills prior to leaving so that they would go to sleep.
The children ranged in ages from 5 months up to 7.
In a Broward bond court hearing, Judge John Hurley reduced the accused’s bond to just $2,000 but with the condition that she have no contact with her children.
According to the court, 2 of the 5 children were placed in foster care. The other 3 went with family members.
Child neglect charges can result in not only prison time, but the loss of your children. Anytime allegations of child abuse or neglect are made, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) become involved. They may seek to have your children removed from your home.
Eric Matheny is a criminal defense attorney representing clients charged with child abuse and child neglect in Miami and Broward.