Child Neglect Charge in Utah

[arbickley]

My question involves child abuse or neglect in the State of: Utah
I have been charged with child neglect for leaving my 5 year old in the car for 5 min. I ran into the store to grab diapers and right back. I have the receipt to prove that I only bought diapers. The lady who called it in told the police that I had been gone for over 15 min. I'm not a bad mom and have a clean record and would like to keep it that way. I'm not sure if I should plea not guilty because I did leave my child in the car. Or I have tried to do some research and heard some suggestions to plea no contest with explanation. I'm am wondering what my best option would be and how each would play out.

[Disagreeable]

It appears you left the child unattended in a parking lot. The length of time you did it is somewhat irrelevant.

[Dogmatique]

Your best option is to speak with an attorney. S/he can discuss likely outcomes with you.

[aardvarc]

Even more specifically, you need to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney who practices in the county where you were charged. Such an attorney is the only person who will be able to evaluate your situation in light of their experience with your local courts, tendencies of your local judges, potential deferral programs in your community, and in consideration of the many ways such a charge or conviction might seriously impact your future (jobs it might put out of your reach, licenses you may be ineligible for, or impact on any family law matters such as custody or visitation, now or in the future).