Were you accused of child neglect in Dayton, OH? These allegations can be overwhelming, whether they come from law enforcement, a neighbor, or a child protective agency. Accusations of neglect affect your reputation and can lead to criminal charges, family separations, and long-term involvement with state agencies. Understanding your rights early on is important for defendants who need to protect both their family and their future.
Contact Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers at (937) 531-0435 to schedule a free consultation with a Dayton child neglect lawyer.
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Why Choose Suhre & Associates if I’m Arrested for Child Neglect in Ohio?
You shouldn’t have to face a child neglect charge in Dayton, Ohio, without legal representation. You might think you can just explain to police officers or state agencies what happened and “clear the situation up,” but this is always a bad idea. Everything you say can be used against you.
Here’s why families continue to trust Suhre & Associates:
- Our Dayton criminal defense lawyers have 100+ years of combined legal experience.
- Our team includes former police officers and prosecutors, so we understand how cases are built – we’re always one step ahead.
- We have been recognized by Super Lawyers and The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Lawyers.
Addressing child neglect accusations isn’t something to take lightly. Our Dayton child neglect attorneys will help you challenge every aspect of the case and fight to clear your name. Contact Suhre & Associates today to schedule a free consultation.
Overview of Child Neglect in Ohio
Under Ohio law, child neglect is considered a form of child endangerment. This aspect of the charge doesn’t involve direct harm, but instead focuses on when someone responsible for a child fails to meet the legal duty to keep that child safe.
Duty of Care Violations
Child neglect charges in Ohio often arise when a parent, guardian, custodian, or anyone acting in a parental role (such as a family member or foster parent) does not provide the proper care, support, or protection a child needs.
Examples might include not providing necessary food, shelter, medical care, supervision, or allowing a child to be in dangerous situations. The law is triggered if that failure creates a substantial risk to the child’s physical or mental health and safety.
What Are the Penalties for Child Neglect in Dayton, Ohio?
Facing child neglect charges in Ohio can lead to a range of penalties, all of which can be severe — even for first offenses.
- First Offense (First-Degree Misdemeanor): The penalties for a first-degree misdemeanor are up to 6 months in jail.
- Child Suffers Serious Physical Harm (Third-Degree Felony): This could lead to up to 5 years in prison.
- Severe Child Endangerment (Second-Degree Felony): Penalties can include up to 8 years behind bars.
Convictions for child neglect almost always involve collateral consequences. Aside from jail time or fines, a record can impact your job, housing, and family rights. Make sure you speak with a lawyer right away.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for Child Neglect?
Accusations of child neglect are serious, but various defenses can explain what happened or show why the accusation is not justified. Your lawyer may explore the following approaches depending on your specific situation:
Alternate Cause of Injury
Injuries to a child may result from accidents, medical conditions, or circumstances unrelated to neglect. Showing evidence for these alternate causes can make it clear that the incident was not due to neglect.
Lack of Intent or Recklessness
For a neglect conviction, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the conduct was done deliberately or with reckless disregard. If you did not act intentionally or weren’t aware of the risk, this approach can help protect against a conviction.
False Accusations
Sometimes reports are based on misunderstandings, disagreements, school conflicts, or are even the result of someone fabricating or coaching a child to say certain things. Your lawyer can carefully review the facts and dispute the truthfulness of a claim.
Illegal Search and Seizure
If the police or other investigators gathered evidence, like photographs, without following the law, that evidence may not be usable in court. Law enforcement must have a warrant or a valid legal reason to search your property or seize evidence. Your lawyer can file a motion to suppress any illegally obtained evidence.
Consulting with a criminal defense lawyer will ensure that the facts of your case are thoroughly examined, and they will determine the best defense for your case.
No parent plans to end up fighting neglect charges. While the process may feel overwhelming or unfair, it is possible to present clear facts and defend yourself against misunderstandings or false claims. An experienced attorney can help guide you through conversations with investigators and stand up for your rights. You should always rely on skilled legal representation in these cases. Let us help.
Contact Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with our Dayton child neglect attorneys.
