577.300. Leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle — first and second degree — penalties
Leaving a young child alone in a car can lead to serious charges if someone gets hurt
If a child under 11 is left alone in a car and causes a crash that injures or kills someone, the adult responsible can face a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the outcome.
1. Definitions used in this law:
- (1) “Collision”: When a vehicle hits a person or object.
- (2) “Injures”: Physically hurts someone.
- (3) “Motor vehicle”: Any car, truck, bus, or motor-powered vehicle (not on tracks).
- (4) “Unattended”: No one age 14 or older is with the child.
2. A person commits first-degree leaving a child unattended if they knowingly leave a child under age 11 alone in a car, and the child causes a crash or hits a pedestrian that results in someone’s death.
3. First-degree offense is a class C felony.
4. A person commits second-degree leaving a child unattended if they knowingly leave a child under age 11 alone in a car, and the child causes a crash or hits a pedestrian that results in injury (but not death).
5. Second-degree offense is a class A misdemeanor.
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