Criminal defense across Denton County and Collin County

Marijuana and Child Abuse- Law Offices of Tim Powers, Denton, Texas

Law Offices of Tim Powers, Denton Texas

940.483.8000 940.483.8000

Marijuana is one of the most commonly abused drugs. It contains a chemical called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which specifically targets brain cells. The chemical compound of THC is similar to other types of compounds used by the body, which allows the brain cells to accept the compound and allows the user to reach a euphoric high. Marijuana use causes a distorted sense of time, paranoia, short-term memory loss, anxiety and depression.

However, every time a person takes a hit of a joint, an innocent child is being hit somewhere across the U.S. due to alcohol and drug abuse. Someone is being arrested for marijuana use every 42 seconds . In one-fourth that time, a child is being abused. According to Child Help , more than four children die every day as a result of child abuse. Drug abuse is normally linked to child abuse. Studies from “ Child Help ” show, one-third to two-thirds of child maltreatment cases usually involving substance abuse in some degree. According to the Child Welfare League of America , “An estimated 40%-80% of the 3 million children who come to the attention of the child welfare system each year live in families with AOD problems.” In a study done by the Office of Child Abuse Neglect, Children’s Bureau, children whose parents abuse alcohol and other drugs, were three times more likely to be neglected than children from non-abusing families.

These are more than just statistics, they are truth. Just recently, 35-year-old, Sonya Gardner of Oak Cliff , is now in jail facing two counts of attempted capital murder of a child. Gardner, high on marijuana and PCP, was found trying to drown her two kids ages four and six in a bath tub. Gardner claims she was upset because the children kept asking for snacks. Like I said before, marijuana causes delusion, a disoriented sense of time, short-term memory loss and anxiety. These two kids nearly lost their lives and probably would have died if it wasn’t for their older brother, Jydesman Gardner, who knocked down the bathroom door and rescued the children. There are claims that marijuana is not as harmful compared to other drugs. Even if that were true, it does not mean that marijuana does not harm others. It’s upsetting to see innocent children being put in life threatening situations due to parents being under the influence. The four and six year old are now under foster care and Sonya Gardner is in jail on bond for $1 million.

Child abuse and drug abuse correlate to each other. However, charges are based on case by case bases. In this past case, Gardner was charged with two counts of attempted capital murder of a child. She was charged with capital charges because there were two different minors involved. For other situations, a parent can be charged with abandoning or endangering a child. Once would be charged with a second-degree felony and could serve two to twenty years in jail. It all depends on the state of mind of the person, how many children were involved, and actions pursued by the person.

http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/marijuana-use-and-its-effects

http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/texas-mom-high-pot-pcp-drown-kids-tub-report-article-1.1803896

http://www.childhelp.org/pages/statistics

http://www.cwla.org/articles/cv0109sacm.htm

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/29/one-marijuana-arrest-occu_n_2041236.html

If you are seeking aggressive criminal representation by an experienced criminal defense attorney for your Denton County criminal case or arrest in Denton County, contact the offices of Tim Powers today. There is no charge or obligation for the initial consultation. 940.483.8000

*Tim Powers is an attorney licensed to practice law by the Supreme Court of Texas. Nothing in this article is intended to be legal advice. For legal advice about any specific legal question you should directly consult an attorney. Criminal Defense Lawyers with Unparalleled Passion for Success Providing Quality Representation for your Denton, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Carrollton, Corinth, Highland Village Dallas, Plano, McKinney, Denton County, Tarrant County, Collin County, or Dallas County criminal case