Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can cause a person to be confused and act in an untypical way. A recent incident in Denton has left a mother behind bars and an 18-month-old child in the hospital. Maryland law enforcement had responded to a call that indicated a child may have been left on the side of a road by a woman who then got in her car and drove off. Police suspect the woman of driving under the influence.

A car passing by spotted a vehicle stopped on the side of the road and thought the driver had hit a deer. They pulled over to offer assistance and the woman quickly got into her car and drove away. On further investigation, they encountered a child who appeared to have suffered some injuries. Based on the witness account, the authorities were able to track down the driver of the vehicle.

The woman reportedly exhibited symptoms of being impaired when she was apprehended. She also had another child, a 1-year-old, in the car with her. The woman faces charges of child abuse, child neglect, assault and driving under the influence. At last report, she was being held without bail at the Caroline County Detention Center.

Facing criminal charges involving ones children in Maryland can be frightening and overwhelming. Even in the face of such charges, a person is still presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. Faced with charges that could have such a profound impact on one’s life, an attorney experienced in dealing with cases where people are suspected of driving under the influence could be helpful in apprising one of one’s rights and ensuring that those rights are protected throughout the criminal justice process.