Legal Question in Family Law in California

Re: Children Being Alone

There is no law directly applicable to the facts. The law you may be referring to is Penal Code 271, Child Under 14 Years of Age-Abandonment. However, there has to be an "intent to abandon" in order for it to apply. Leaving the child to make a quick trip to the store isn't a problem, as long as the child is mature enough not to light the place on fire or something. Penal Code 273a prohibits anyone from endangering the health or safety of a child and would apply if the child is not mature enough to not be in danger if left alone. E-mail me if you have further questions (I'm also a California peace officer).