LAKE HAVASU CITY — A Lake Havasu City woman was released from custody on October 23, after she pleaded guilty and was sentenced for violence involving two of her children.
The plea deal for Amanda Smith, 34, dismissed two child abuse counts and two aggravated assault charges in exchange for convictions for two counts of child abuse.
Deputy Mohave County attorney Matthew Houston said family members contacted authorities about Smith’s abuse of her kids. He said the guilty pleas involve kicking and slapping her nine-year-old daughter and other violence involving her six-year-old son, committed between late November last year and July 17.
Legal defender Gregory Pridham told Mohave County Superior Court judge Megan McCoy that neither child sustained serious or long lasting injury. He said his client’s postpartum depression is the root of the violence and that Smith understands she needs counseling and other help to address the issue.
Smith told judge McCoy the condition leaves her sad on many days but that she loves her children.
“They are my world,” Smith said. “I want to better myself and stay on top of everything so I can become a better person and a better mom.”
McCoy wished her well in that regard, noting the challenge of raising kids in modern day America.
“The world of parenting has far surpassed what we grew up with,” McCoy said. She placed Smith on probation for seven years and imposed a 97-day jail sentence, crediting her for the 97 days she already spent in custody.
