Recent Posts in child endangerment Category

A California woman was driving under the influence with her children in the car when she proceeded to crash into a shed, a parked car, a street's lane divider and a couple of street signs, police allege.

Whitney Cotta, 24, was arrested on June 2 after her SUV became disabled during an unsuccessful left turn from Mohawk Street to California Avenue in Bakersfield, according to law enforcement officials.

Cotta's multiple crashes began just a few blocks away at a Sheraton Four Points hotel, BakersfieldNow.com reports. Hotel employees reportedly tried to detain her after she hit a shed in the parking lot, but she kept driving over the grass to exit the property. She also rear-ended a stopped car and a lane divider before the vehicle finally became inoperable.

Cotta was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, child endangerment, and hit-and-run.

If convicted of California DUI, the woman will likely face greater penalties because her children were in the vehicle.

While there is a minimum sentence for each California DUI offense, a judge can increase the recommended sentence for any "enhancements" that may apply to the case.

Some examples of enhancements that could affect the severity of your California DUI penalties are:

• Speeding at the time of arrest
• Driving under the influence with children in the car
• Being involved in an accident while under the influence
• Driving on a suspended license

If you or someone you know is arrested following a California DUI-related accident, it is imperative to consult with an experienced DUI attorney. Contact our California DUI attorneys today. 

Dwight Gooden, former pitcher for the New York Mets and the New York Yankees was charged with driving under the influence of drugs early last week.  Gooden was charged with leaving the scene of the accident after being involved in a two-car collision.  A child was in the car, but police would not release the identity.  Gooden faces jail time with the charges pending against him.

DUI with child endangerment is a very serious charge.  Whether you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you face very difficult consequences.  Child endangerment can be a felony charge meaning that it is punishable by state prison.  In many cases, an added child endangerment charge will require 4 years of informal probation and usually a mandatory 52 week parenting course.  Without the help of a qualified drunk driving attorney you are facing the maximum sentencing on all charges.  If you or someone you know has been arrested for driving under the influence in California, call us toll free today.