Criminal Charges for Leaving a Child in a Vehicle in Texas

 Posted on September 05, 2024 in Criminal Law

Parents are generally free to raise their children as they see fit. They can reward them, punish them, and feed them whatever they choose. But when it comes to leaving children in a car, the authorities get involved. Since the potential damage can be severe, you could face criminal charges if your child is left unattended inside a car. If you are accused of leaving a child in your car, speak with a seasoned Dallas, TX criminal defense attorney to review your case and understand your options.

Leaving a Child in a Car in Texas

Sometimes, parents drive around doing errands with their children in the car. If the errand is something simple like depositing a check at a bank or buying milk at the store, they might think it is not worth the time and effort it can take to get their child out of their car seat, keep them from having a temper tantrum inside, and buckle them back into their seats after. However, according to Texas law, intentionally leaving a young child unattended in a vehicle for more than five minutes could make a parent liable for criminal charges.

When Leaving a Child in a Car Is Charged as a Misdemeanor in Texas

In Texas, if your child is left unattended in a car for over five minutes, you could be charged with a class C misdemeanor even if they are uninjured. You would be fined up to $500 and Child Protective Services can be notified and might launch an investigation into whether your child is safe with you.

Felony Charges When a Child Is Harmed After Being Left in a Car

If your child is harmed when left unattended in a vehicle, a distinction is drawn between whether what you did was intentional or reckless. The punishment will be based on that as well as the severity of your child’s injury

If your behavior is considered reckless, you could be charged with:

• A state jail felony if your child suffered minor bodily injury. You could face up to two years in state jail and a fine of up to $10,000.

• A second-degree felony if your child is seriously mentally or physically hurt as a result. You could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

If your behavior is deemed intentional, you could be charged with:

• A third-degree felony if the child’s physical injuries are minor. You could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

• A first-degree felony if your child is severely injured or mentally impaired as a result. You could face a life sentence and a fine of up to $10,000.

Contact a Tarrant County, TX Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are facing charges for leaving your child in a car unattended, the stakes are too high to navigate without a knowledgeable Dallas, TX criminal attorney. The penalties you might face can be anything from a $500 fine to a life sentence, and a lawyer with experience in similar cases can help build a strong case to get you the best results possible. Call the Law Office of Michelle Poblenz at 469-845-3031 so we can get to work.