Michigan Supreme Court Throws Out Child-Neglect Charge

Michigan Supreme Court Throws Out Child-Neglect Charge

The court says criminal activity in a home with a child present cannot automatically lead to an additional charge of neglecting the minor.
Reporter: Associated Press

LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- The Michigan Supreme Court says criminal activity in a home with a child present cannot automatically lead to an additional charge of neglecting the minor.

The court says that would have significant consequences, including the possible termination of parental rights and intervention by state child-welfare enforcers.
In an opinion released Wednesday, the justices overturned a decision of the state appeals court in a case from Wayne County. They said there was no evidence that the 10-year-old stepson of George Tennyson knew there were drugs and firearms in the home in 2006.

The 4-2 decision was written by Justice Stephen Markman.

Michigan Supreme Court Opinion Granting Leave To Appeal Child Neglect Charges