What Happens If You’re Accused of Child Endangerment in Ohio?

Being accused of child endangerment in Ohio is one of the most emotionally and legally devastating experiences a parent, guardian, or caregiver can face. These allegations can lead to criminal charges, loss of custody, and long-term damage to your reputation. At Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A., our Cleveland criminal defense lawyers represent individuals throughout Cuyahoga County and Northeast Ohio accused of child endangerment. We understand what is at stake and work aggressively to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.

Understanding Child Endangerment Under Ohio Law

Child endangerment is governed by Ohio Revised Code § 2919.22, which makes it a crime to create a substantial risk to the health or safety of a child under 18 (or a person under 21 with a mental or physical disability) through a violation of a duty of care, protection, or support. The law applies broadly to conduct that may place a child in harm’s way, even if no injury occurs.

Common examples of alleged child endangerment include:

• Driving under the influence (OVI) with a child passenger
• Leaving a child unattended in a vehicle or unsafe environment
• Failing to provide proper food, shelter, or medical care
• Allowing access to firearms, drugs, or dangerous substances
• Using excessive physical discipline or exposing a child to violence
• Permitting a child to be in the presence of drug manufacturing or illegal activity

Key takeaway: You can face charges even when you never intended to harm the child. Prosecutors often argue that reckless or negligent behavior is enough to justify criminal liability.

Penalties for Child Endangerment in Ohio

Penalties for child endangerment vary depending on the facts of the case, the level of risk, and whether injury occurred. The offense may be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony.

Potential Penalties Include:

• First-Degree Misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in jail and $1,000 in fines
• Fourth-Degree Felony: Up to 18 months in prison and $5,000 in fines
• Third-Degree Felony: Up to 5 years in prison
• Second-Degree Felony: Up to 8 years in prison and $15,000 in fines

A conviction may also carry collateral consequences, such as:

• Loss or restriction of custody and visitation rights
• Mandatory parenting classes, counseling, or probation
• Permanent damage to reputation and professional standing
• Loss of employment in fields involving children, healthcare, or education
• Immigration complications for non-citizens

If convicted in the Cleveland Municipal Court or Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, you may also face Children Services involvement and long-term monitoring.

Who Can Be Charged with Child Endangerment?

Under Ohio law, anyone with a duty of care or supervision over a child can be charged with endangerment. This includes:

• Biological and adoptive parents
• Stepparents and guardians
• Foster parents and babysitters
• Teachers, coaches, and daycare providers
• Relatives or others acting “in loco parentis” (in place of a parent)

You do not have to be the child’s legal parent to be held accountable. If you had responsibility for the child’s safety at the time of the alleged act, prosecutors can file charges.

The Legal Process After a Child Endangerment Accusation

If you are accused of child endangerment, the process often moves quickly and can involve both criminal and family law components.

1. Investigation: Police and county Children Services may open an investigation and interview you, the child, and witnesses.
2. Arrest or Summons: If authorities believe they have probable cause, formal charges will be filed.
3. Arraignment: The court reads the charges, and you enter a plea. Bond conditions may restrict contact with your children.
4. Discovery: Your attorney reviews the state’s evidence, including statements, photos, and expert reports.
5. Pretrial Motions: The defense may challenge evidence or procedural violations.
6. Plea Negotiations or Trial: Some cases are resolved through reduced charges or diversion programs, while others proceed to trial for a full defense.

At Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A., our Cleveland criminal defense lawyers handle every phase of the process, ensuring that your rights are protected from the initial investigation through resolution.

Common Defenses to Child Endangerment Charges

Not all allegations meet Ohio’s strict legal definition of child endangerment. Our defense team carefully analyzes the evidence and builds a targeted strategy based on your situation.

Effective defense strategies may include:

• Lack of Intent or Recklessness: The law requires proof that you acted knowingly or recklessly. Accidents or lapses in judgment do not always qualify as crimes
• False Accusations: Allegations often arise from custody disputes or retaliatory reports. We expose inconsistencies and motives behind false claims
• Insufficient Evidence: If prosecutors cannot prove endangerment beyond a reasonable doubt, your charges may be reduced or dismissed
• Reasonable Parental Discipline: Ohio law allows for reasonable physical discipline, provided it is not excessive or cruel
• Religious or Medical Exemptions: Under O.R.C. § 2919.22(C), parents may not be prosecuted for decisions made in good faith based on spiritual treatment
• Constitutional Violations: Evidence obtained through illegal searches, improper questioning, or coerced statements can be suppressed

Our Cleveland child endangerment lawyers work with investigators, medical professionals, and expert witnesses to identify weaknesses in the state’s case and develop a clear, evidence-based defense.

Long-Term Consequences of a Conviction

Beyond prison or fines, a child endangerment conviction can affect nearly every area of life. You may face restrictions on seeing your children, barriers to employment, and long-term damage to your reputation. These cases are particularly sensitive for teachers, nurses, childcare providers, and other licensed professionals who may lose their credentials.

Protecting your record early is critical. If you are searching for an Ohio child endangerment lawyer near me, the attorneys at Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A. have the knowledge and experience to handle these complex and emotional cases with professionalism and discretion.

Protect Your Rights and Your Family’s Future

An accusation of child endangerment can turn your life upside down. However, being charged does not mean you are guilty. You have the right to a strong defense, and taking swift legal action is the best way to protect yourself. At Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A., our legal team provides experienced, compassionate representation for clients in Cleveland, Lakewood, Parma, Strongsville, Elyria, Lorain, Medina, Brunswick, Wadsworth, Barberton, and Akron, as well as throughout Northeast Ohio.

If you’ve been arrested in Cleveland, Lakewood, or anywhere in Northeast Ohio, don’t wait. Call Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A. at (216) 661-5050 or request a free consultation now. Our Cleveland criminal defense lawyers are ready to help you protect your rights, defend your reputation, and secure your future against child endangerment charges in Ohio.

Text or Call: (216) 661-5050 • Contact: Submit a Request • Email: cindy@patfarrelllaw.com

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