International Law Enforcement Academies (ILEA) Criminal Law Practice Exam

If Jordan is found guilty of neglect of a dependent, a likely consequence is incarceration and loss of parental rights. This outcome reflects the severity of the offense, as neglect of a dependent often indicates an inability to provide for the basic needs of a child or vulnerable individual, which is taken very seriously by the legal system. Incarceration serves as a punitive response to ensure accountability and protection of the well-being of the dependent.

Moreover, loss of parental rights is a critical component of the legal response to such findings, as the court prioritizes the best interests of the child or dependent. If a parent is deemed incapable of providing a safe and nurturing environment, legal actions may be taken to remove their rights in order to safeguard the dependent’s future well-being.

While options such as revocation of a driver's license, mandatory rehabilitation, and financial penalties might be applicable in other contexts of legal infractions or negligence, they do not directly address the gravity of neglecting a dependent, which fundamentally centers on the protection and welfare of vulnerable individuals. Thus, these lesser consequences are typically not as likely to be imposed compared to incarceration and the potential loss of parental rights.