Child Endangerment Laws Ohio
The crime of “child endangerment” is a criminal act or failure to act which places a child’s health or safety at risk of imminent danger.
Ohio law regarding endangering children is design to protect those who are unable to help themselves, such as children under 18 years of age and physically or mentally handicapped individuals under 21 years old. Creating a substantial risk to the health or safety of a child makes an offender subject to criminal punishment.
If child endangerment occurred as a result of an OVI with a child I the vehicle, it is considered a first-degree misdemeanor. This type of misdemeanor is punishable by a maximum jail sentence of 180 days and a fine of up to $1,000.
However, if the child is alleged to have suffered a minor injury, the charge could be elevated to a fifth-degree felony, which is punishable by a maximum prison sentence of 12 months and a fine of up to $2,000. If the child is alleged to have suffered a severe injury, the charge could be elevated to a fourth-degree felony, which is punishable by a maximum prison sentence of 18 months and a fine of up to $5,000.
A conviction can result in the following additional issues:
- Maintaining current employment
- Difficulty getting a good job in the future
- Licensure issues in some professions
- Difficult and potential denial in immigration and naturalization proceedings
If you were recently arrested and charged with OVI and child endangerment in Ohio, our Akron criminal defense attorneys at DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder is ready to protect your rights and future. With more than 85 years of combined experience and an exceptional track record of success, we can thorough review your and determine all of your available legal options in order to obtain favorable results.
Contact us and request a free consultation today.
