Criminal Cases Los Angeles – Special Laws for Some Pregnant Women or Women with children under 6 years of age.
Avoiding Prison Under California Penal Code Section 1174: A Pathway for Pregnant Women and Mothers with Young Children
As a criminal defense attorney based in Los Angeles, I understand how stressful legal proceedings can be, especially for women who are pregnant or raising young children. Fortunately, California law provides options to protect these vulnerable individuals from the trauma and disruption of imprisonment. Penal Code Section 1174 offers a critical alternative to traditional incarceration in some situations. Call Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney now for a free consultation.
What Does Penal Code Section 1174 Do?
Under Section 1174, pregnant women and mothers with children under the age of six may be eligible to serve their sentence outside of prison. This law aims to reduce the harm that separation causes to young children and provide a more humane solution for mothers who face criminal charges.
Penal Code section 1174.4 provides Criteria for eligibility – Who Qualifies
(1) Pregnant women must have an established history of substance abuse, or pregnant or parenting women with an established history of substance abuse who have one or more children under six years old at the time of entry into the program. For women with children, at least one eligible child shall reside with the mother in the facility.
(2) Never served a prior prison term for, nor been convicted in the present proceeding of, committing or attempting to commit, serious offenses (there is a list of about 30 offenses).
(3) The sentence is less than 3 years.
What Are Alternative Programs?
Instead of serving time in prison, qualifying women may participate in supervised programs designed to support rehabilitation. These programs often include:
- Counseling and therapy services
- Parenting classes
- Substance abuse treatment (if needed)
- Education and job training
The goal is to help mothers stay with their children while addressing the underlying issues that may have contributed to their criminal behavior.
Why Does This Matter?
Research shows that children separated from their mothers due to incarceration often suffer long-term emotional and developmental harm. Penal Code Section 1174 is designed to break this cycle by allowing mothers to serve their sentences in ways that keep families intact and promote positive outcomes for both mothers and children.
How Can Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Help?
If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges and may qualify for this program, early legal intervention is crucial. As your defense attorney, I can:
- Advocate for eligibility under Section 1174
- Help negotiate alternative sentencing with prosecutors and the court
- Connect you with approved community-based programs
Take Action Today and Contact Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney
Navigating the legal system can be overwhelming, especially when your family’s future is at stake. Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney is dedicated to fighting for the rights of his clients and will get better deals for pregnant women and mothers with young children. Contact me to schedule a consultation and explore your options under Penal Code Section 1174.
Please call Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney and Los Angeles DUI Attorney. Our firm offers provides high-quality legal representation at affordable rates. If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges, I will fight to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome. Our direct telephone number is (323) 464-6424.
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading...