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Child Neglect Case Highlights Need for Proper Legal Representation

The issue of child neglect was vividly depicted by the recent arrest of a Fort Pierce woman whose three children were found to be living in a state of squalor. Charged with three counts of neglect of a child without great bodily harm and two counts of cruelty toward a child, the woman could be facing a lengthy period of incarceration if convicted. These types of serious charges will require intervention by a Fort Pierce child neglect lawyer.

An investigation by the Florida Department of Children and Families uncovered the case in Fort Pierce. It was in the suspect’s house that the children were found living in an environment of filth and within a menagerie of 40 animals that included dogs, rabbits, chickens, lizards and a snake. The furniture and walls of the house were coated in urine and feces, and excrement was also found in the bathtub and even in the refrigerator. Adding to the filth were roaches and spider webs. One investigator said that the stench was “unbearable” from even outside the house. The woman attributed the neglect of her children to simple laziness.

There were other indications of direct abuse to the children. The 7-year-old daughter had suffered a cut that reportedly occurred while her younger brother was attempting to pop a blister on her with a knife when struck by a brush thrown by the mother. The other son reported being struck by a stick or belt wielded by his mother. Nearly three years earlier, the same woman and her husband were charged with three counts of child neglect without great bodily harm. In that incident, the three children were discovered huddling in a darkened room and under a blanket that was covered with feces and urine. Repeat cases of child neglect can result in even more serious consequences, with those so convicted facing up to 15 years in prison. Under the circumstances, a Fort Pierce child abuse attorney may provide the best chance of obtaining a reduced sentenced.

Not every case of child neglect may be as obvious as the one in Fort Pierce. There have been some cases leading to criminal charges in which the situation resulted from a misunderstanding. However, even a wrongful accusation can do harm to a person’s reputation and family life. Those who find themselves in such situations should contact the law office of Jonathan Jay Kirschner at 772-489-8501.

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