A 4-year-old boy has been placed under the care of Florida's Department of Children and Families (DCF) after his mother, Lorena González-Mesa, a 29-year-old Cuban resident of the southern state, was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Miami Beach.
The arrest occurred early Sunday morning at the intersection of Fifth Street and Meridian Avenue, as detailed in a Miami Beach Police Department report accessed by Local 10. Officers stopped a black Hyundai Tucson upon noticing a child in the back seat moving around without any restraint device.
As they approached the vehicle, the officers detected a strong odor of alcoholic beverages emanating from González-Mesa and saw an open Budweiser beer can in the center cup holder. Alongside the mother and her son, the child's grandmother and her boyfriend were also present in the car, the report notes.
Authorities stated that González-Mesa failed roadside sobriety tests and provided a breath sample showing a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.137. A subsequent test indicated a BAC of 0.147, leading to her arrest.
The Cuban national faces charges of driving under the influence and child neglect. The child has been placed with the DCF while legal proceedings concerning his mother are underway.
González-Mesa was held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center with bail set at $3,500 until late Monday afternoon.
FAQs About DUI Arrests and Child Custody in Florida
What happens to a child if a parent is arrested for DUI in Florida?
If a parent is arrested for DUI in Florida, the child may be placed under the care of the Department of Children and Families to ensure their safety until the legal situation is resolved.
What are the legal consequences of a DUI arrest in Florida?
A DUI arrest in Florida can lead to fines, license suspension, and potential imprisonment. Additional charges, such as child neglect, may apply if minors are involved.