The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A Louisiana mother may face charges after authorities said her 14-month-old son was hospitalized with severe alcohol intoxication that allegedly placed his life in danger.
According to the authorities, the child remained in the pediatric intensive care unit after doctors determined he had suffered alcohol intoxication, acute respiratory failure, hypoxia, and hypercapnia. Medical professionals reportedly said the alleged victim could have experienced respiratory arrest, brain injury, or death without immediate treatment. The Louisiana Department of Child and Family Services later took custody of the toddler.
Hospital testing allegedly showed the child had a blood-alcohol concentration of about 0.305%, which is nearly four times the legal limit for an adult driver in Louisiana.
As investigators worked to determine how the child became so seriously intoxicated, they learned his mother was the only legal guardian responsible for his care that day. Although she lived with her boyfriend, the authorities determined he was working from home and was not responsible for supervising the toddler.
When they searched inside the residence, the authorities reportedly found alcohol. The mother reportedly told investigators it had been stored where the child could not reach it. However, according to the authorities, she could not explain how the alleged victim consumed enough alcohol to require emergency medical treatment.
Investigators later questioned the mother about the child’s activities, the type and location of the alcohol, who had last handled it, and the supervision the toddler received before he became ill. Court documents alleged that she declined to answer additional questions during a follow-up interview.
The investigation began on May 18 after the mother called 911 and reportedly said her son was not behaving normally. She allegedly told investigators he became limp when she picked him up after a nap and never returned to his usual active behavior, prompting her to seek emergency help.
Following the investigation, the 27-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of one count of cruelty to juveniles. She was booked into the parish jail, where she was being held without bond.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a domestic violence offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.