"Class A Misdemeanor" - Endangering the life of child. Left kid unattend in a parked
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? IL
This is not my real profile. I need assistance. I have been charged with "Class A Misdemeanor" - Endangering the life of child. I left my kid in the car (off, decent temperature inside) for more than 10 mins it was parked at the walmart parking lot. My kid was sleeping in the car seat and was perfectly safe.
The cop called and asked me to come to the police station for self arrest and set a bail bond of $2000, I paid $200 (10%) + $50 (jail fee).
My court date is set for 3rd week Jan. I can be charged with 1 yr of jail at a max and $2500 fine as per IL law.
I have no criminal or bad record and I work for a very reputable company, I love my kid very much, I got out of the car to check on my wife who was shopping for more than 30mins and forgot to take her phone. My worries/questions at this point are: What should I do in court? I don't want to pay/hire a lawyer. I'm not a US citizen, I'm here one work visa.
Should I plead guilty or say no contest or say not guilty ? Also, should I take photo/video etc. to show the judge that I love my kid etc. I've argued with the police officer that I wasn't out for more than 10mins, she said that the witness who called 911 says it was more than 10mins so she'd believe them. I've never been in court. Please help.
Don't give a moral lecture. I HAVE LEARNED MY LESSON VERY WELL. Many thanks for reading my story.
Do you think an attorney could get this off my records? (I might hire someone). Honestly, I was away for 10-15mins and the cop can prove this to the judge -> probably by showing the time of call of witness and my arrival time etc.
On top of the penalty etc. that the judge gives me, from that point on I'd always have to say in employment and other records. Ever been to jail -> yes and explain the charges etc.
Please pardon mistakes in writing.
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? IL
This is not my real profile. I need assistance. I have been charged with "Class A Misdemeanor" - Endangering the life of child. I left my kid in the car (off, decent temperature inside) for more than 10 mins it was parked at the walmart parking lot. My kid was sleeping in the car seat and was perfectly safe.
The cop called and asked me to come to the police station for self arrest and set a bail bond of $2000, I paid $200 (10%) + $50 (jail fee).
My court date is set for 3rd week Jan. I can be charged with 1 yr of jail at a max and $2500 fine as per IL law.
I have no criminal or bad record and I work for a very reputable company, I love my kid very much, I got out of the car to check on my wife who was shopping for more than 30mins and forgot to take her phone. My worries/questions at this point are: What should I do in court? I don't want to pay/hire a lawyer. I'm not a US citizen, I'm here one work visa.
Should I plead guilty or say no contest or say not guilty ? Also, should I take photo/video etc. to show the judge that I love my kid etc. I've argued with the police officer that I wasn't out for more than 10mins, she said that the witness who called 911 says it was more than 10mins so she'd believe them. I've never been in court. Please help.
Don't give a moral lecture. I HAVE LEARNED MY LESSON VERY WELL. Many thanks for reading my story.
Do you think an attorney could get this off my records? (I might hire someone). Honestly, I was away for 10-15mins and the cop can prove this to the judge -> probably by showing the time of call of witness and my arrival time etc.
On top of the penalty etc. that the judge gives me, from that point on I'd always have to say in employment and other records. Ever been to jail -> yes and explain the charges etc.
Please pardon mistakes in writing.