All Case Results

State v. B.W.

Charge: Child Neglect Without Bodily Harm (3rd Degree Felony)
Palm Beach County
March 2024
state
Worst Case Scenario:
Up to 5 years prison on a third-degree felony conviction with a permanent criminal record — and potential collateral consequences involving parental rights and future employment
Actual Results:
All charges dismissed — case resolved through Pretrial Intervention with no conviction and no criminal record

Arrested For:

Child Neglect Without Bodily Harm (3rd Degree Felony)

What Was Done:

The client was arrested following an incident at a Palm Beach Gardens restaurant where multiple witnesses provided sworn statements to police describing alleged mistreatment of a young child. Officers responded to the scene, interviewed five independent witnesses, and arrested the client on a felony child neglect charge. The case involved body-worn camera footage and a strong witness presence, making it a serious charging situation with substantial evidentiary weight against the client.

Unique Approach:

Felony child-related charges rarely qualify for diversion. Counsel negotiated entry into Palm Beach County's Pretrial Intervention program — a resolution that is not commonly available in cases of this nature. The client completed all required conditions including an anger management course and parenting program. Upon successful completion, the State nolle prossed the charge in full. No conviction was entered, no adjudication, and the client's record remained clean.

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