Police in Bradenton Charge Father With Letting Son Drive

Mark Belanger, 34, was arrested last Sunday on charges of child abuse and permitting an unlicensed driver to drive. Allegations have it that the man allowed his 8 year old son to get behind the wheel after he supposedly ingested some Xanax. Belanger states that he felt “woozy” and did not want to man the vehicle, but allowed his son to drive instead. He figured it would be some good one-on-one father-son time. Police later talked to the boy who said his father actually took some “liquid medicine” while he pointed out an empty bottle of whiskey found in the vehicle. Bond was set an also odd amount of $10,120.

This is just one of those incidents where you can’t help but wonder what do people really think when they’re doing something they know that is wrong. Drinking and then letting your child operate your vehicle is a BAD idea always, no matter if you thought it was going to be a bonding experience or if you really needed to get home bad. An untrained and underage driver added to a drunk parent in the passenger seat can only lead to bad consequences. This odd story just proves that.


Attorney Behr handles all sorts of cases, from DUI to child abuse to negligence. Based out of South Florida, Mr. Behr takes all cases himself with no assistance from a legal partner or law student intern. He uses all 30+ years of his experience to get you a legal ruling you can live with. Call today for your free appointment so you can discuss your case face-to-face.

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