Miami Beach Parents Arrested for Child Neglect after 5 Children Found Living in “Squalid Conditions”

The parents of 5 Miami Beach children were arrested earlier this year after the young kids were found living in conditions that have been described by news sources as “squalid.” According to local news reports, Miami Beach parents, Azra Nikocevic and Sanel Canovic were arrested and charged with child neglect after one of their 5 children, a 6-year-old child, was found wandering alone outside on the street. Miami police indicated that Nikocevic and Canovic are no strangers to the law, and particularly legal issues involving the children, having uncovered a case involving the couple in New York. Investigators said that, “Custody was taken away in New York. Once they went through the process to replenish the custody, they relocated down here to Miami Beach and continued the vicious cycle of neglect and abuse.” Nikovec and Canovic’s 5 children were reported to have allegedly been “forced to live with no electricity, no working stove or toilet, and no food.” To that end, after police officers were led to the family’s Miami Beach apartment by the wandering 6-year-old child, they now face serious criminal charges in Miami court.

Details that have been revealed so far in the case include the fact that the children were allegedly told by their father “You eat at school, so you don’t eat at home.” The children were also allegedly only given $20 occasionally by their mother to get sandwiches from McDonalds. The children’s mother, Sanel Canovic stated about the case, “I’m going to do my best to improve everything and get them back.” Meanwhile, a Miami Police officer said, “These kids just want to be kids. They were very happy that our officers were able to rescue them. Being taken away from their parents, they asked one thing, if the sisters could stick together and if the brothers could stick together.”

Child Neglect in Miami Under Florida Criminal Laws

Under Florida criminal laws, the “neglect of a child” means, “A caregiver’s failure or omission to provide a child with the care, supervision, and services necessary to maintain the child’s physical and mental health, including, but not limited to, food, nutrition, clothing, shelter, supervision, medicine, and medical services that a prudent person would consider essential for the well-being of the child…” or “A caregiver’s failure to make a reasonable effort to protect a child from abuse, neglect, or exploitation by another person.” Child neglect is a serious crime that can land a criminal defendant with significant jail time and penalties.

Legal Help for Parents Fighting Child Neglect Charges in Miami

The important thing to remember is that a parent is innocent until proven guilty in their Miami child neglect case. If you have been charged with child neglect in Miami, and you need help fighting these serious charges against you, it is best to seek legal help right away. The experienced Miami criminal attorneys at AsiliA Law Firm help Miami parents fight criminal charges against them to get justice in their cases. Do not delay. Speak with an experienced attorney at AsiliA Law Firm about your Miami criminal case today.

Source:

cbsnews.com/miami/news/miami-beach-child-neglect-parents-abuse-history-bodycam-video/