Legal Question in Criminal Law in Georgia

I have been charged with reckless conduct after my four yr old grandaughter wondered off. I thought she was at the neighbors playing so I did not check on her. while there she wondered off and into a highway. It was not unusual for her to be at the neighbors for 2 or 3 hrs playing inside. Child services took my children that Friday and they were returned that Monday. I did not know I was being charged with anything until i was at the jail house and I asked the officer if I was being arrested and what for. He was hispanic and got upset because I could not give him the neighbors name, just that they were mexican. I knew the neighbors name but could not recall it at the time.My mind was reeling from the fact that my child was in the street. I would like to know my rights. I have asked for a bench trial and they say I make to much for a court appointed attorney. I live from check to check with no extra what so ever.


Asked on 11/20/12, 6:59 am

3 Answers from Attorneys
Scott Riddle Law Office of Scott B. Riddle, LLC

You need a lawyer, very badly. Even your own version of the story raises very troubling questions. You did not know where your 4 year old child was, and did not check on her, so she could have been killed. Your child (or children) frequently spend several hours a day at the "mexican neighbors'" house, but you don't even know them well enough to know their names off the top of your head. It is not surprising the officer got upset, and it won't be surprising of the Judge gets upset and orders a full investigation. You may also hear from DFACS again.

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Answered on 11/20/12, 7:12 am
Lawrence Lewis Lawrence Lewis, P.C.

So, IF I understand you correctly, you will be representing yourself pro se at a bench trial. I suspect that will not go well. See website for tips on how to represent yourself: http://www.lawrencelewispc.com/pages.php?go=pinfo&PID=26

Good luck

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Answered on 11/20/12, 8:52 am
Glen Ashman Ashman Law Office also dba Glen Ashman Attorney

You need a lawyer very badly. You could lose your children and go to jail. That means you exhasust every resource (borrow from friends and family or credit cards, mow the neighbor's yard, or have a yard sale - anything to raise money). Counsel matters. And how fast you get counsel matters. ACT NOW.

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Answered on 11/20/12, 10:43 am


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