Raising a child is a big responsibility and one many parents are not as ready for as they thought they were. The first several years require the utmost care and attention from a parent as your baby develops both physically and mentally. Children are unaware of many things in life and can only remain safe from the dangers of this world with the help of attentive parenting. Unfortunately, not every parent is as attentive and responsible as they should be, leading to unfortunate injuries and deaths of many young children.
Negligence Leads to Devastating Consequences
Recently, the father of a one-year-old boy learned that lesson the hard way. The father thought his son was taking a nap but returned to find him freezing cold and unresponsive. The man called the police and performed CPR on the boy, but sadly, the child did not live. As it turns out, a toxicology report from the coroner’s office revealed that the one-year-old tested positive for opiates, benzodiazepines, and antihistamines at the time of his death. While it is unclear as to how the child was able to access the drugs, the father is pleading guilty to reckless homicide and furnishing a minor with drugs.
Homicide and Drug Crimes Carry Serious Penalties
The laws in New Jersey are strict and the penalties harsh. Even if the act of murder was unintentional, it can carry serious consequences. The same goes for drug crimes. Even if it was not your intended purpose to distribute a drug, the punishment will still be severe. In New Jersey, reckless homicide is considered a second-degree offense. It is punishable by a prison sentence between five and 10 years and carries a fine up to $150,000. The furnishing a minor with drugs charge is also a second-degree offense in New Jersey. According to officials, the father faces up to eight years in prison.
New Jersey Defense Attorneys Can Help
If you or a loved one are facing similar charges in New Jersey, then you should consult the criminal defense attorneys of the Davis Law Firm, LLC. They know how criminal charges related to homicide and/or drugs can impact your life. With their years of experience and extensive knowledge of New Jersey law, they can help defend you in a court of law. For a free initial consultation, contact them at 609-587-9100 today. The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
