SKILLED IN CHILD ENDANGERMENT CASES
Child endangerment occurs when a parent or caregiver—either through an act or a failure to act—puts a child in imminent danger of facing bodily harm, psychological trauma, or death. No matter the specific circumstances, child endangerment is a very serious matter. An accusation of endangerment or neglect could cost you custody rights and your freedom. You need professional representation. At Groth & Associates, our Toledo child endangerment defense lawyers are skilled, experienced advocates for our clients. If you or your family member is facing criminal charges for child endangerment, we are available to offer guidance and support. To schedule a free, completely confidential consultation with a top Ohio child endangerment attorney, please call our Toledo law office today.
For a legal consultation with a child endangerment family lawyer serving Toledo, call (419) 930-3030
AN OVERVIEW OF OHIO’S CHILD ENDANGERMENT LAWS
In Ohio, it is a criminal act to put a child in danger or to fail to act in order to keep a child out of danger. The state has put strict child endangerment laws in place to help protect kids who are not reasonably able to protect themselves. Under Ohio law (ORC § 2919.22), a defendant could be arrested and charged with child endangerment if they create a “substantial risk to the health or safety of the child, by violating a duty of care, protection, or support.” Note: Ohio’s child endangerment statute contains an explicit protection for religious freedom—meaning it is not a violation of the state’s statute to treat a child’s physical or mental illness in accordance with the guidance of a recognized religious organization.
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WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF CHILD ENDANGERMENT IN OHIO?
In practice, child endangerment charges can be filed in a wide range of different situations. These cases are always assessed on a fact-specific basis. Some notable examples of cases that could result in a child endangerment charge include:
- Drunk driving with a child in the car;
- Cultivating or manufacturing drugs in the presence of children;
- Committing a crime with a child;
- Excessive and unwarranted discipline of a child; and
- Leaving a young child unsupervised in an unsafe area.
To be clear, this is far from an exhaustive list. It is important to recognize that child endangerment charges can be brought in many circumstances. Further, in some cases, overzealous prosecutors pursue unwarranted endangerment or neglect charges. These are complex cases and it is not always obvious as to what type of actions or inactions constitute criminal child endangerment.
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WHAT ARE THE CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR CHILD ENDANGERMENT IN OHIO?
Many Child Endangerment Cases are Charged as a First Degree Misdemeanor
In many cases, Ohio prosecutors charge child endangerment as a first-degree misdemeanor offense. Indeed, this is the base level charge that will be filed if there are no “aggravating factors” present. A first-degree misdemeanor child endangerment charge is a serious criminal offense that is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Child Endangerment May Be a Felony Criminal Offense
Child endangerment is not always a misdemeanor in Ohio. If the defendant had a prior history of child abuse or child neglect or if the child sustained serious injuries as a consequence of the endangerment, then prosecutors have the authority to bring felony charges. In the most serious cases, reckless endangerment could be charged as a second degree felony carrying a maximum sentence of 8 years in prison.
You Need a Lawyer Who Can Protect Your Rights and Freedom
We handle the full range of child endangerment cases. Whether you are facing a felony charge, a misdemeanor charge, or authorities are still conducting an investigation, you need an experienced Toledo, OH criminal defense attorney on your side. We will review the charges and help you determine the best way forward.
CUSTODY/VISITATION IMPLICATIONS OF A CHILD ENDANGERMENT CHARGE
If you are a parent and you have been charged with endangerment, your child custody and/or child visitation rights could potentially be in jeopardy. Indeed, you could lose full family law rights even if the criminal child endangerment charges are eventually dismissed. It is imperative that you consider your custody and visitation rights when handling a child endangerment case. It should be a part of your overall defense strategy. At Groth & Associates, our Toledo child endangerment attorneys provide full-service representation—with careful consideration as to how these changes will impact your life.
HOW OUR OHIO CHILD ENDANGERMENT DEFENSE LAWYERS CAN HELP
With a team that is made up of former prosecutors and experienced family law attorneys, we have a unique understanding of child endangerment cases. We can see these cases from every angle. Our attorneys are committed to representing each and every client with the respect, compassion, and integrity that they deserve. Among other things, our Toledo child endangerment defense attorneys are prepared to:
- Conduct a comprehensive, confidential review of the child endangerment charges;
- Answer any questions you have about your legal options;
- Offer guidance with consideration to your custody & visitation rights;
- Gather all of the evidence that you need to build a legal defense; and
- Craft an approach that is best tailored to your unique circumstances.
Child endangerment cases are often extraordinarily stressful and emotionally raw for parents and other family members. You deserve fully personalized legal representation from a highly regarded defense lawyer. We are committed to open, responsive communication with our clients—we will make sure that you know what is going on with your case throughout the entirety of the legal process.
GET HELP FROM OUR TOLEDO CHILD ENDANGERMENT DEFENSE ATTORNEYS RIGHT AWAY
At Groth & Associates, our Ohio criminal law attorneys have the skills and knowledge to handle child endangerment charges. You need trustworthy representation. If you or your family member is facing a child endangerment charge, we are available to help. For a no-cost, no-obligation review of your child endangerment case, please contact our law firm as soon as possible. From our office location in Toledo, we defend child endangerment charges throughout the region, including in Lucas County, Fulton County, Ottawa County, and Wood County.
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