Endangering the Welfare of Children

Many people believe that child endangerment charges in Ohio only apply when someone deliberately harms a child. This assumption is incorrect. Ohio law actually covers any situation where a child’s safety becomes compromised while under adult care.

This misunderstanding often surprises parents or guardians when they face investigation for this serious offense. The situation becomes even more challenging when someone reports you with malicious intent, potentially leading to exaggerated or completely false accusations.

If you’re confronting accusations of child endangerment, hope remains. A skilled Steubenville criminal lawyer can help you build a robust defense strategy to shield yourself from the harsh penalties that come with a conviction.

Understanding the Legal Definition of Endangering Children’s Welfare

Ohio’s criminal code, specifically Ohio Revised Code §2919.22, defines child endangerment. The law states that any person responsible for a child under 18 years old—whether a parent, guardian, or other caregiver—commits child endangerment when they knowingly create a substantial risk to the child’s health or safety by failing to provide proper care, supervision, or protection.

The statute also applies to individuals who supervise or employ those responsible for a child’s welfare. Additionally, Ohio law holds anyone in an official capacity accountable if they intentionally interfere with reporting suspected child abuse or neglect.

Each violation of this law can be treated as a separate offense. In certain cases, repeated or ongoing conduct may result in elevated charges, including felony-level penalties under Ohio’s “pattern of conduct” provisions. Facing these allegations in Steubenville, Ohio, requires skilled legal representation. A qualified Steubenville criminal lawyer can help protect your rights and work to minimize the potential consequences of a child endangerment charge.

Common Examples of Child Endangerment Situations

Child endangerment occurs more frequently than most people understand. Any circumstance that puts a child’s safety at risk qualifies as endangering their welfare, potentially resulting in arrest.

Courts typically use a standard based on what reasonable parents or guardians would consider dangerous or morally inappropriate behavior. Because this definition covers such broad territory, understanding specific actions that can trigger child endangerment charges in Ohio becomes crucial:

• Operating a vehicle under the influence with a child as a passenger — a Steubenville DUI attorney can help if this situation results in multiple charges.
• Allowing the home environment to become unsanitary or dangerous
• Using or possessing illegal substances around children
• Failing to seek medical care for a sick or injured child
• Permitting children to ride ATVs or other open-air vehicles without proper safety equipment
• Engaging in domestic disputes that result in accidental injury to a child

Penalties for Child Endangerment in Ohio

Ohio imposes varying penalties for child endangerment based on each case’s specific details. Generally, the offense qualifies as a first-degree misdemeanor, carrying potential punishment of up to $10,000 in fines and imprisonment for up to five years.

However, when prosecutors can prove beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant has a pattern of such behavior— known legally as a “course of conduct”— the charge escalates to a third-degree felony. This upgrade increases potential penalties to include fines reaching $15,000 and prison sentences extending up to three and one-half years. A Steubenville criminal lawyer can help determine whether a course-of-conduct enhancement may apply and build a strategy to fight it.

Protecting Your Rights and Future

Regardless of your specific circumstances, facing child endangerment charges in the Steubenville area, West Virginia, or Ohio requires immediate action. You need a criminal attorney who understands the complex nature of family court proceedings and will fight aggressively for the best possible resolution.

At Logue Law, our domestic violence defense team, led by Sean Logue, brings the knowledge and determination needed to safeguard your rights and secure your future. Contact Steubenville DUI attorney today at (844) PITT-DUI or visit our website to arrange your complimentary initial consultation.