Q: What is the penalty for unlawful conduct towards a child?
My ex was recently arrested for unlawful conduct towards a child. He ran errands with his son after taking what I'm told was roxicodone and passed out at a gas station with his son in the back seat. Luckily no one was hurt, but he was arrested. What would the penalties for this kind of charge be?
A:
Your ex should hire an attorney to protect his interests immediately. § 63-5-70. Unlawful conduct toward a child.
(A) It is unlawful for a person who has charge or custody of a child, or who is the parent or guardian of a child, or who is responsible for the welfare of a child as defined in Section 63-7-20 to:
(1) place the child at unreasonable risk of harm affecting the child's life, physical or mental health, or safety;
(2) do or cause to be done unlawfully or maliciously any bodily harm to the child so that the life or health of the child is endangered or likely to be endangered; or
(3) wilfully abandon the child.
(B) A person who violates subsection (A) is guilty of a felony and for each offense, upon conviction, must be fined in the discretion of the court or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.
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