Criminal Convictions Can Affect Your Parenting Rights
There are many consequences to a criminal conviction. Some, like jail time and court fines, are expected. Others are less obvious: persons convicted of a felony automatically lose their civil rights to vote, serve on juries, and own a firearm. Felony convictions can also make it difficult to secure employment, or even get the professional licensure that makes such a job possible. But one of the most devastating consequences of a criminal conviction can be the loss of parental rights. Crimes against children and crimes that demonstrate dangerous conduct in front of a child can lead to the restriction – or even total loss – of parenting rights.
If you have been investigated or arrested for any criminal charges, it is important to consult with an experienced Miami criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The experienced defense attorney at Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney can help protect you from unlawful convictions based upon illegal evidence or confessions. This, in turn, can help prevent restrictions on your parenting rights that could occur as the result of an improper conviction. Call (305) 615-1285 for a free phone consultation as soon as possible.
Recent Florida Arrests That Are Likely to Lead to Restricted Parenting Rights
Sadly, these types of cases are not at all uncommon across the Sunshine State. Here in Miami, a mother was stopped on suspicion of drunk driving with her two children in the backseat. NBC Miami reports that she became combative after refusing field sobriety tests. As a result, she now faces three counts of aggravated battery against a police officer, three counts of battery against a police officer, three counts of resisting arrest, two counts of child abuse, one count of DUI, and one count of resisting arrest without violence. The child abuse counts will force a DCF investigation and proceedings in the juvenile court. The defendant will now also have to defend her parental rights and must convince both DCF and the juvenile court that her children are not endangered in her care.
And in Palm Beach County, two parents were arrested after they “didn’t realize” they had left their young daughter, just two, in a park. WTHR reports that the child was missing for fourteen hours before the parents reported her missing. As a result, they have been arrested and charged with neglect, while seven other children have been removed from their home.
Call Us Today to Discuss Your Case with a Miami Criminal Defense Attorney
For many defendants, a loss of parental rights can be more devastating than jail time or fines. This is why it is so important to ensure that your legal rights are being protected during a law enforcement investigation that could end up in the juvenile court. While criminal court proceedings do not dictate the outcome of a juvenile court case, they are often critical evidence to the juvenile court judge, and a conviction is highly damning. Give yourself the most legal protection possible by consulting with an experienced Miami criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The experienced lawyer at Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney can help protect your constitutional rights at all stages of criminal case proceedings. Call (305) 615-1285 for a free phone consultation as soon as possible. You can also contact us through our online contact form.