Legal Question in Military Law in Virginia

I live on a military base and I left my 12 year old daughter home alone and now the military police is charging me with child neglect even though in the state of Virgina do not have a legal age for a child left alone.


Asked on 5/29/10, 4:00 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
William J. Holmes Attorney at Military Law

You need to make sure that you get an attorney who will help you in this matter. The fact that Virginia does not have a set age does not mean that the military cannot bring charges. Whether this was neglect or not will depend on a number of circumstances. DO NOT MAKE ANY STATEMENTS OR TALK WITH ANYONE FROM THE MILITARY until you have spoken with your attorney. The police will try to get you to admit to neglect or at least find out why you think it is not so that they can then try to undercut your defense. Do not talk to anyone other than your attorney.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any additional questions.

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Answered on 6/01/10, 6:33 am
James Matthew Branum James M. Branum, Attorney at Law

Are you a civilian family member or are you in the military?

If the former, you need to get a civilian lawyer in Virginia who practices in federal court.

If the latter, you need to go to TDS (trial defense services) and/or hire a civilian lawyer who does military law pronto.

Othewise, all of the advice given by Mr. Holmes above is dead-on-the money.

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Answered on 6/02/10, 2:34 pm


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