Class D Misdemeanor charge in Maine

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Hello,

I am very stressed out at the moment. I am a nursing student in Maine and am soon to start my clinical courses. I have close to a 4.0 grade point average.

A few weeks ago I let my sleeping daughter sleep in the car while I ran into a small store. I parked in front of the picture window, and there was no danger of overheating as the sun was down and it was February in a locked, warmed up car with no keys. I was a few yards away for a short time in the store. Of course I know that one is not supposed to leave a child in a hot car, but heat wasn't a relevant concern here and she did not want to be awoken. At any rate, a cop issued me a summons for Endangering the welfare of a child (a Class D misdemeanor here). I plead not guilty, and applied for a lawyer. Child Protective Services was called by the officer, but they did not deem the call high-risk, did not choose to do an investigation, and referred the call to a contract agency instead. The woman from the agency came to talk to us on our couch and left. That was nearly two months ago. There is no open case with them. I am still extremely concerned about the criminal charge.

Is this likely to cost me an RN license (and my child's financial future)? If it is plead down to something else, dropped, or receives deferred disposition what will happen. My clinical courses are set to begin in a few months. My court date is set for this summer, although I have yet to talk to my lawyer to see if something can be worked out. Any suggestions?

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