I need help! So afraid I'll have to stop breastfeeding -- jail.

[AutumnNoelle]

Ok, here's what I need help with. I got mixed up in something really stupid.. I won't go into details. The police officer I spoke with told me that I'll probably just be put on probabtion and have to pay fines. The max I could get is 6 months in jail and $1000 in fines. I'm so afraid.. I'm breastfeeding my 4 month old daughter. Everybody, even the officers and everyone, are trying to tell me that I won't get that... it's my first offence ever and what I did wasn't that bad. Is there anything I can do that you know of? I mean, obviously I should tell my attorney that I'm breastfeeding. Any ideas??
Please, I don't need any judgements, even though you all don't know what I did. I regret the whole situation.. so on, so forth.

[Mama Poot]

Some prisons have facilities for babies who are under a year old. I would definitely speak with a lawyer and see what your rights are though.

[AutumnNoelle]

Originally Posted by Mama Poot

Some prisons have facilities for babies who are under a year old. I would definitely speak with a lawyer and see what your rights are though.

Thank you. I honestly doubt anything serious will come of this.. I'm just worrying myself sick.

[yarngoddess]

You could also contact your local LLL and a Lactation Consulatant as they could be ready to help with pumps and supplies in the event that you need it.

Best of luck...I hope you up date us when the time comes.

[songbh]

I recommend talking to your own attorney about any decisions you are making in handling this matter. It's never a good idea to take legal advice from a police officer. Their job is to arrest you and help convict you; they are not paid to have your or your child's best interests at heart.

Obtain your own legal counsel, and do it now before you sign anything. Don't wait for a court-appointed attorney.

Good luck.

[Breastfeeding Insomniac]

Originally Posted by Mama Poot

Some prisons have facilities for babies who are under a year old. I would definitely speak with a lawyer and see what your rights are though.

This is what I was going to say. Hopefully nothing will come of it though. I would contact your local LLL or breastfeeding coalition and ask if they know of what the laws are in your state.

[BiscuitBaby]

LLL has Professional Liaisons that can give you advice on legal matters.

The Professional Liaison (PL) Leader provides the Group Leader with additional help when a mother needs information about a medically related breastfeeding situation or has a breastfeeding problem outside the scope of the Leader’s knowledge. Like all LLL Leaders, the PL Leader does not give medical advice. She uses her reference collection as well as her experience to aid the Leader as she helps mothers and babies. The PL Leader can also provide information on some legal situations related to breastfeeding.

[guestmama9904]

get a really good lawyer and try not to go to jail!!! best of luck mama, i second the advice of PP saying not to take advice from police officer as the be all end all.

[pumpkin]

Also keep in mind that you have to be tried and convicted before you would go to jail. Even if you do get a jail sentance through trial or plea, you may not be taken to jail instantly. Space is an issue at many facilities and they have to schedule when people enter the system.

I knew someone who was accused of a drug related crime. The trial and appeal process took about a year. Then it was another 10 months before he actually walked into the jail - they just didn't have space for him earlier and he wasn't considered a high risk offender.

So even if you do have to go to jail, it may not be tomorrow. I could even be when your child is much older and weaning is a non-issue or at least less of an issue.

[Phantaja]

Originally Posted by Mama Poot

Some prisons have facilities for babies who are under a year old. I would definitely speak with a lawyer and see what your rights are though.

Prisons are for people who have at least a year to serve. I wouldn't worry about it either way. If there's a 1000.00 fine involved, whatever you did wasn't that serious.

[rmzbm]

I really hope things work out for you...good luck!

[puddle]

If you do end up getting any jail time, make sure that your lawyer points out to the judge the health risks to you and your child of you not being allowed to breastfeed so that they can try to make accommodations for you. If you have to stop abruptly, you could get mastitis which can be very serious. Good luck to you and your dd!

[Ruthla]

You must be so scared right now.

If the max you could get is 6m or $1,000, then chances are you won't get that much. You definitely need a lawyer- but I'm sure you're already working on that.

[AutumnNoelle]

Thanks to all of you so much. I liked what the poster said about making sure the lawyer points out the risks of stopping breastfeeding right away and like, the health issues involved with bfing. Does anyone know a really good website that I could just print out info from to give to my attorney??? He or she, whoever they decide to give me, might not be that educated on bfing.
THANKS!!!

[Tofu the Geek]

Originally Posted by AutumnNoelle

Does anyone know a really good website that I could just print out info from to give to my attorney??? He or she, whoever they decide to give me, might not be that educated on bfing.
THANKS!!!

Well the LLL web site and Kellymom are good.