Child Abuse

Child Abuse Defense Attorney

Child abuse charges are complex and carry significant consequences for everyone involved. In Ohio, these allegations are treated with extreme seriousness, comparable to other severe offenses like sexual assault. As a result, anyone accused of child abuse faces the possibility of severe legal penalties.

Even without a conviction, an accusation of child abuse can disrupt your personal life, damage relationships, and harm your reputation in the community. That’s why it’s essential to secure a knowledgeable and experienced criminal lawyer immediately if you are facing these charges. At Logue Law Group, our legal team is dedicated to protecting your rights and mounting a strong defense against all allegations.

Child abuse is defined as the emotional, physical, or sexual mistreatment of a child, as well as neglect. These actions, whether from a parent or another caregiver, can cause current or potential harm to a child. Such abuse can happen at home, in schools, within community organizations, or any place children are present. In cases where child abuse allegations arise, a Steubenville criminal lawyer can play a critical role in navigating the legal system, whether in defense or in pursuit of justice.

Major Categories of Child Abuse

There are four primary types of child abuse:

• Negligence: This involves failing to provide necessary care, leading to severe physical injury, significant pain, or a permanent impairment of the child’s physical abilities.
• Physical Abuse: Any act that causes harm that threatens a child’s life, physical development, or overall well-being.
• Psychological Abuse: This includes manipulation or exploitation that results in serious negative impacts on a child’s mental and emotional health.
• Sexual Abuse: This covers obscene acts involving children, such as engaging them in sexual games, inappropriate touching, or encouraging a child to touch someone’s genitals for sexual gratification.

Children who suffer from abuse often show signs like difficulty sleeping, nightmares, sudden aggressive behavior, social withdrawal, and depression. They might also seem uncomfortable around certain people, have sexual knowledge beyond their years, or use inappropriate language. A skilled Steubenville criminal lawyer can help navigate the complexities these symptoms introduce to a case.

Reporting Child Abuse

Certain professionals, known as Mandatory Reporters, are legally required to report any suspicion of child abuse. These individuals often include:

• Teachers
• Clergy members
• Doctors and dentists
• Child care providers
• Law enforcement officers

Failing to report suspected child abuse can result in criminal charges. For school employees, it could be a summary offense, while other Mandatory Reporters might face a second-degree misdemeanor.

Reports are generally made to the Department of Child and Youth Services (CYS). When a report is filed, the child may be placed in protective custody while a forensic expert conducts an interview. It’s important to recognize that the questioning methods used in these interviews can sometimes influence the child’s statements and compromise the investigation. In these situations, the expertise of a Steubenville DUI attorney who understands the nuances of such procedures is invaluable.

Steubenville Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are being investigated for or have been charged with child abuse in or around Steubenville, you must contact a skilled child abuse attorney right away.

Attorney Sean Logue, who also serves as a Steubenville DUI attorney, offers a distinct advantage in these cases, having previously worked as a prosecutor in child abuse and child pornography cases. His extensive knowledge of how the prosecution builds its case allows him to fight effectively for you. We will meticulously review any evidence presented and scrutinize records from CYS. Our team will aggressively work to dismantle any evidence that was obtained improperly to ensure justice is served.

These cases demand immediate and decisive action to protect your rights. We strongly advise you to contact us for a consultation as soon as you can.

To arrange a free initial consultation with a highly qualified child abuse lawyer in the Steubenville area, please reach out to us online or call 844.PITT.DUI. Our Steubenville criminal lawyer is here to help you.