PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — A Calvert County jury convicted Brandy Leigh Leagan, 31, of Prince Frederick, on June 18, 2025, of two counts of child neglect and impaired driving following a brief deliberation of approximately 15 minutes. The conviction stems from an incident on January 21, 2024, when Leagan crashed her vehicle with her two minor children in the back seat after driving under the influence of alcohol.
The incident occurred after Leagan left the Lord Calvert bowling alley in Prince Frederick. She turned onto MD Route 4 and subsequently collided with a guardrail. Authorities determined she was impaired by alcohol at the time of the crash. No injuries were reported in the accident, which occurred in the early evening.
Leagan’s sentencing is set for July 11, 2025, before the Honorable Mark S. Chandlee in the Calvert County Circuit Court. Each count of child neglect carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine. The impaired driving charge may also result in additional penalties, though specific sentencing details were not disclosed at the time of the conviction.
The case was prosecuted in the Calvert County Circuit Court, located in Prince Frederick, where the jury reached its verdict after a swift deliberation. The brevity of the jury’s discussion suggests the evidence presented was clear and compelling. Maryland law defines child neglect as the failure to provide proper care and supervision for a minor, particularly in situations that endanger their safety, such as driving under the influence with children in the vehicle. Leagan’s actions on January 21, 2024, met these criteria, as her impairment directly jeopardized the well-being of her children.
Maryland’s legal framework for impaired driving, often referred to as driving under the influence (DUI), includes strict penalties to deter such behavior, especially when minors are involved. The state’s child neglect statutes aim to protect vulnerable individuals from harm due to reckless or negligent actions by caregivers. Leagan’s conviction highlights the enforcement of these laws in Calvert County, a region known for its commitment to public safety.
The Lord Calvert bowling alley, a local recreational spot in Prince Frederick, serves as a community hub for families. The incident’s connection to this location underscores the risks of impaired driving in areas frequented by families and children. MD Route 4, a major thoroughfare in Calvert County, is a heavily traveled road, and crashes there can have significant consequences, particularly when involving vulnerable passengers.
The Calvert County State’s Attorney’s Office presented the case, emphasizing the danger posed by Leagan’s actions. The prosecution’s evidence likely included details of the crash, Leagan’s alcohol impairment, and the presence of her children in the vehicle. The jury’s rapid verdict indicates a strong case built on factual evidence, such as police reports, sobriety tests, and witness accounts from the scene.
As the sentencing date approaches, the court will consider factors such as Leagan’s prior record, if any, and the circumstances of the incident. The Honorable Mark S. Chandlee, will determine the appropriate penalties within the statutory guidelines. The maximum penalties for child neglect reflect the seriousness of the offense, particularly when combined with impaired driving.
