SKILLED IN CHILD NEGLECT DEFENSE CASES
Often closely associated with abuse, child neglect is defined as conduct, acts, or omissions that—either intentionally or unintentionally—result in a parent or caregiver failing to meet a child’s basic needs. Being accused of child neglect is always a very serious matter. It could cost you custody rights, visitation rights, and even your freedom. When facing neglect charges, you need an experienced attorney on your side.
At Groth & Associates, our top-rated Toledo child neglect defense lawyers are strong, compassionate advocates for our clients. With extensive experience handling complex criminal cases, we are prepared to protect your rights and your future. To request a free, strictly confidential initial consultation with an experienced Ohio child neglect defense attorney, please do not hesitate to contact our Toledo law office today.
For a legal consultation with a child neglect lawyer serving Toledo, call (419) 930-3030
AN OVERVIEW OF OHIO’S CHILD NEGLECT LAWS
Ohio’s child abuse & neglect laws are complex. To start, all parents and caregivers should know that our state requires parents to provide adequate care and support to their children (ORC § 2919.21). The failure to do so could lead to serious consequences—potentially including the loss of parental rights and criminal charges. Child neglect accusations require a swift response. Under Ohio law (ORC § 2151.03), a neglected child is defined as a kid who has been:
- Abandoned by their parents or guardians;
- Denied adequate food, medical care, or education;
- Denied the specialized care or attention they need; or
- Harmed as a result of parent or guardian acts or omissions.
In practice, neglect can come in a wide range of different forms. A parent who does not feed their children may be charged with neglect. Similarly, a parent who fails to properly care for and supervise an infant may face neglect charges. Ultimately, these are very much case-by-case matters and the specific circumstances matter. Unfortunately, there are cases in which overly aggressive prosecutors bring unwarranted charges against an overwhelmed parent.
Note: There are also important limitations to the application of Ohio’s child neglect laws. Most notably, the law does not subject parents to criminal liability when acting solely in the practice of their religious beliefs.
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WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR CHILD NEGLECT IN OHIO?
Many Neglect Cases are Charged as First Degree Misdemeanors
The penalties for a child neglect offense depend on the specific statute the prosecutors utilize when pursuing the charge. It also depends on the extent to which a child was harmed by the alleged neglect. In many cases, child neglect may be punished as a first-degree misdemeanor offense that is punishable by a maximum of 180 days in jail and a $1000 fine. Typically, if the child avoided serious harm, a criminal neglect charge will be handled as a misdemeanor.
Repeated Neglect or Severe Neglect May Be a Felony Offense.
That being said, Ohio prosecutors may be able to pursue felony charges in a child neglect case. To start, child neglect is a fourth-degree felony punishable by up to 18 months in prison if the defendant has already been convicted of a previous child abuse or child neglect offense. Additionally, if the child suffered serious physical harm as a result of the neglect, the defendant will likely face third-degree felony charges that carry a maximum sentence of 5 years behind bars.
You Need a Lawyer Who Can Protect Your Rights
Regardless of the severity of the child neglect charges being leveled against you, our legal team is qualified to handle your case. At Groth & Associates, our Toledo, OH criminal defense lawyers have experience handling a wide range of complex criminal cases, including both misdemeanor offenses and felony offenses.
BE PREPARED FOR THE IMPLICATIONS A CHARGE HAS ON YOUR CUSTODY OR VISITATION RIGHTS
If you have child custody or child visitation rights, a neglect charge could have a serious impact on your ability to exercise rights in the future.
It is crucial to understand that Ohio’s family law courts do not use the same standards as the criminal courts—meaning it is possible to get a child neglect charge dismissed and still lose custody rights or have temporary restrictions put on your custody/visitation rights.
We provide comprehensive legal guidance. In representing you, our Toledo child neglect defense attorneys will always consider your family law rights as part of your legal defense.
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HOW OUR OHIO CHILD NEGLECT DEFENSE ATTORNEYS CAN HELP
We are a full-service law firm with the ability to handle complex criminal cases. Our criminal defense lawyers represent parents and caregivers with diligence, integrity, and the highest level of professional service. Every person deserves their day in court. When you reach out to our Toledo law office, you will speak to a lawyer who is ready to take immediate action on your behalf. Among other things, our Toledo child neglect defense attorneys will:
- Conduct an in-depth evaluation of the child neglect charges against you;
- Answer any questions that you have regarding your rights or options;
- Consider the impact charges will have on your family law rights, including custody and visitation rights;
- Investigate the matter—gathering all relevant exonerating evidence; and
- Create a defense strategy that is best suited for your specific circumstances.
We understand the sensitive and highly emotional nature of facing a child neglect or child abuse charge. Further, our attorneys know that there is no one-size-fits-all answer in these cases. We are committed to handling every case with the compassion and personalized attention that our clients deserve.
CALL OUR TOLEDO CHILD NEGLECT DEFENSE ATTORNEYS FOR IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE
At Groth & Associates, our top-rated Ohio criminal defense lawyers have the skills and experience to handle the full range of child neglect and child endangerment cases. If you or your loved one was arrested for child neglect, we are ready to offer reliable and effective legal guidance. To schedule a free, fully private review of your case, please contact our law firm today. With a law office location in Toledo, we represent clients throughout the wider region, including in Maumee, Sylvania, Holland, Northwood, Bowling Green, and Oak Harbor.
Call or text (419) 930-3030 or complete a Case Evaluation form
