If arrested for DUI while a minor is in the vehicle, a person not only will face DUI charges but will likely face additional charges as well. There are two ways that the prosecutor can charge a person in this circumstance. One way is by adding the DUI with a minor sentence enhancement. This will cause the sentence to be much harsher and the fines heavier. Another way that the prosecutor may choose to go is to charge an additional child endangerment charge along with the DUI charge. While neither of these charges automatically means that a child will be taken away, the charges will be reported to Child Protective Services, who will conduct their own investigation.
ABC 7 reports on a woman who crashed into an LAPD police station while a baby was in the car.
At about 4:45 a.m. on February 9th, a woman suspected of driving under the influence maneuvered around barriers and drove into the lobby of the of a Los Angeles Police Department in San Pedro. She had an infant with her in the car at the time of the accident.
Surveillance video shows the woman driving fully into the lobby, smashing through the glass front. The lobby was closed at the time and was empty.
An officer came outside to speak with the woman. After a few moments, she puts the vehicle into reverse and attempts to drive away. She left the front door open, which caused the officer to be dragged with her for a short time before he could get out of the way.
She was unable to get past the barriers and officers took her into custody. Both she and the infant in the car were taken to the hospital as a precaution, but neither appeared to be injured.
Police suspect that the woman was driving under the influence. It has not been made clear if she intentionally drove into the police station.
