Ladera Ranch, Orange County - On Tuesday at the height of a very hot afternoon police responded to a call of three children locked inside a black SUV, according to a report.
When police arrived they found the children in the locked SUV, which didn't have any windows rolled down, according to police.
A woman who is reported to be the mother was taken in for questioning, but it's unclear if she'll face any charges at this time as police are still investigating.
Irvine criminal attorney Michael L. Guisti explains if the mother is charged she'll likely face child endangerment charges under Penal Code 273a.
The crime of child endangerment is basically when a person who is in charge of looking over the child's well-being, like a parent, babysitter or teacher, inflicts unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering, or allows the child to be in a situation where their health may be endangered, according to Guisti.
As well it's not uncommon for somebody accused of a domestic violence crime to also be charged with child endangerment as police could allege during the domestic violence situation a child endured mental suffering, according to Guisti.
Irvine criminal defense attorney Guisti explains this report taken at face value of a mother locking her three children inside a car on a very hot day will probably meet the qualification of child endangerment, however, Guisti goes on to say, there could be more to this story than what is reported, which is where a defense attorney comes into play.
Guisti says while this may seem like an alarming story we're hearing only one side of the story and it's certainly possible the air conditioning was left on in the car and that is maybe why all the windows were rolled up. It's also possible if somebody with good intentions did try to open the doors the children locked them not wanting to open a door to a stranger and that is why it's possible this was reported as children being held up in a locked up car, according Guisti.
Guisti says child endangerment is a very serious charge and even though the mother hasn't been formally been charged yet she should meet with an expert lawyer who can quickly present her side of the story to the Orange County District Attorney's office before charges are formally filed.
Child endangerment is a "wobbler," meaning it can be charged either as a misdemeanor or felony, and if convicted the mother could face possible prison time and an order to stay away from her children, according to Guisti.
If you're facing child endangerment charges it's very important to contact the experienced Irvine child abuse lawyers at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti at 949-390-9898 right away so our expert Irvine criminal defense attorney can work to keep you out of jail and get your children back.
