Left 4 tear old in car for literally 4 minutes

[TheGeekess]

I don't understand why OP didn't take the child with him. Good heavens, it's not as if he were going to buy the tot a bottle of Malibu; nor is it like going into a tobacco store-FDA regulations prohibit Under-19s now.

 

[TigerD]

when I got home about 10 minutes later, a police officer was waiting with my wife outside of my house. He asked me if this had happened and I told him the truth.

Mistake.
Do not talk to the police without consulting with your attorney first. And if your attorney says you can or should talk to the police - get a second opinion because your attorney is wrong.
Never, never, never, talk to the police. Never. Nothing good comes from talk to the cops.

It should be noted that the store I ran into was a liquor store, however it wasn't in a "bad" part of town and I was not drinking and driving.

Why should it "be noted?" Is that because you are proud of not drinking and driving or because you didn't go to the "bad" part of town.

Believe, I am not taking this lightly and I do feel what I did was terribly wrong and I will NEVER do it again. I am not sleeping at night and walking around like a zombie because I am nervous as to what could happen as a result of my terribly stupid and reckless decision. I take full responsibility for this and know it was very wrong.

This just makes you sound like a moron. It isn't "terribly wrong." It is an absent minded thing at best. C'mon, really? You aren't the bad parent of the year for this. It isn't even a good "Can-you-believe-the-dumb-thing-I-did" story.

DC

 

[LdiJ]

I don't understand why OP didn't take the child with him. Good heavens, it's not as if he were going to buy the tot a bottle of Malibu; nor is it like going into a tobacco store-FDA regulations prohibit Under-19s now.

Are there states where children are allowed to enter liquor stores? I wasn't aware that there were.

 

[eerelations]

Are there states where children are allowed to enter liquor stores? I wasn't aware that there were.

I don't know about the US but in Canada (where liquor is way more tightly controlled than it is in the US), kids are allowed into our (all government-run) liquor and beer stores if they're with the adults who are in there to buy liquor or beer. Kids on their own no but with their parents guardians who are shopping, yes.

 

[LdiJ]

I don't know about the US but in Canada (where liquor is way more tightly controlled than it is in the US), kids are allowed into our (all government-run) liquor and beer stores if they're with the adults who are in there to buy liquor or beer. Kids on their own no but with their parents guardians who are shopping, yes.

Well, in my state and many others that I am familiar with children cannot enter liquor stores...even if they are with a parent. In my state its a huge fine to the store owner for allowing even an infant into the store.

 

[Ohiogal]

Are there states where children are allowed to enter liquor stores? I wasn't aware that there were.

Yes there are. In Ohio for instance. And in many other states.

 

[Just Blue]

Are there states where children are allowed to enter liquor stores? I wasn't aware that there were.

In Massachusetts they are. WITH AN ADULT. And New Hampshire...And, I bet, many other states.

In Mass leaving a four year old in a car alone is a crime. As it should be.

I would also bet my last dollar that OP is facing some criminal charge for this "mistake".

 

[Proserpina]

I don't understand why OP didn't take the child with him. Good heavens, it's not as if he were going to buy the tot a bottle of Malibu; nor is it like going into a tobacco store-FDA regulations prohibit Under-19s now.

Hard Liquor: Making babies sleep and Moms relax since....oh, forever really.

 

[justalayman]

Hard Liquor: Making babies sleep and Moms relax since....oh, forever really.

doubles as a teething pain treatment

 

[TheGeekess]

Are there states where children are allowed to enter liquor stores? I wasn't aware that there were.

When The Teen was younger, I'd take her with me into the state store here in the buckle of the Bible Belt. Once on a trip to Hotlanta, she and I went to the hotel bar, but we had to sit at a table (they would not let an under-aged person sit at the bar).

 

[stealth2]

Are there states where children are allowed to enter liquor stores? I wasn't aware that there were.

Never had a problem in NJ - OR NY (and my kids were about the age of OP's). NOW, at 20, she will not go in with me as she knows (a) she may get carded and (b) it is not good to get between Momma and her wine!

ETA CA, either!

 

[JennK2009]

Are there states where children are allowed to enter liquor stores? I wasn't aware that there were.

Laughing up here in the frozen tundra. Minors are even allowed in the bars. They are more than welcome to belly up. Heck, we can even serve them if they are with their legal guardian. Can't tell you how many times the pool tables have been used to hold the infant seats.

 

[HighwayMan]

Did you think of the probability the cop COULDN'T issue a ticket as they did not observe the violation?

That's not necessary. Tickets for traffic infractions can be issued based upon "information and belief".

However, I have no idea where people are getting the VTL 1210 charge from. In my opinion this goes WAY beyond that and into Endangering the Welfare of a Child territory.