Cleveland Child Abuse Defense Attorneys

Defending Against Child Abuse Allegations in Ohio

Allegations of child abuse are among the most serious accusations you can face. Child abuse and child endangerment cases often move quickly and involve not only criminal prosecutors, but also Ohio Child Protective Services (CPS) and possibly the juvenile court system. A single allegation can put your freedom, your family relationships, and your parental rights at risk.

At Patituce & Associates, we represent people throughout Cleveland and Cuyahoga County who are accused of child abuse and related domestic violence offenses. Our legal team approaches these cases with care, discretion, and a commitment to protecting our clients’ rights while navigating both the criminal justice system and any CPS involvement. 

We understand how emotionally charged these matters can be, so we work to provide clear guidance and strong advocacy throughout the process. Founded by former prosecutors who understand both sides of criminal proceedings, our law firm has what it takes to defend clients against child abuse and endangerment charges.

Have you been accused of abusing a child in Cleveland, Ohio? Call Patituce & Associates today at (440) 771-1175 for a free consultation.

Ohio Child Abuse & Endangerment Laws

The Ohio Revised Code (ORC) addresses child abuse in two separate sections.

The first, ORC § 2151.031, defines an “abused child” as one who has been the victim of sexual activity or who has been endangered, exhibits evidence of physical or mental injury (other than accidental), or has suffered a mental or physical injury because of the acts of their parents, guardian, or custodian. 

The second, ORC § 2919.22, defines “endangering children” as creating a substantial risk to a child's health or safety by violating a duty of care, support, or protection.

ORC § 2919.22 prohibits explicitly:

• Abusing or torturing a child
• Corporal punishment (cruelly or extremely)
• Repeated disciplinary measures that endanger a child’s mental health or development
• Allowing, enticing, or coercing a child to participate in sexually oriented or obscene material
• Allowing a child to be near a place where illegal drug manufacturing is occurring
• DUI/OVI with a minor in the vehicle

In our experience, some cases of alleged child abuse or endangerment involve misinterpretations and exaggerations. Others involve outright lies and wrongful accusations made out of anger or even in an underhanded attempt to gain custody.

Parents and people who work with children can sometimes be at a heightened risk of facing allegations of child abuse or endangerment through no fault or misconduct of their own. In these situations, factual innocence may not be enough to avoid criminal charges, though. You’ll want to work with an assertive attorney who can present the other side of the story clearly to a judge or jury.

Degrees of Child Abuse & Potential Criminal Penalties

Child abuse-related charges in Ohio range in severity depending on the alleged conduct, the extent of injury, and whether there is a pattern of abusive behavior.

Possible child abuse charges in Ohio include:

• First-degree misdemeanor child endangerment if the accused person’s actions recklessly place a child at substantial risk of serious harm or mental injury. Penalties may include up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
• Fourth-degree felony child endangerment if the accused person’s neglect or abandonment of a child resulted in serious physical harm or mental injury, or if the accused would be charged with first-degree misdemeanor child endangerment but already has prior child abuse-related convictions. Penalties may include 6 months (mandatory) to 18 months in prison, a $5,000 fine, and up to 5 years of probation.
• Third-degree felony child endangerment if the accused person’s actions, with a focus on intentional wrongdoing or egregious negligence, resulted in serious physical injury or mental harm to a child. Penalties may include 1 to 5 years in prison, a $10,000 fine, and up to 5 years of probation.
• Second-degree felony or higher if the accused person’s actions involved intentional abuse, violence, torture, or cruelty, and resulted in serious physical injury or mental injury to a child. Penalties may include 2 years (mandatory) to 8 years in prison, a $15,000 fine, and up to 5 years of probation.

A conviction can also have lasting consequences for employment, professional licenses, and housing, as well as custody rights defined by a family court. Even when criminal charges are reduced or dismissed, CPS findings can continue independently, which is why you should work with a law firm that understands both systems.

Ohio Child Protective Services (CPS)

In many child abuse cases, Ohio Child Protective Services (CPS), operated through county agencies under the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), becomes involved early, sometimes before criminal charges are even filed.

CPS involvement may include:

• Interviews with parents, caregivers, and children
• Home visits and safety assessments
• Temporary custody or supervision plans
• Referrals to juvenile court
• Ongoing case monitoring or service requirements

What many people do not realize is that statements made to CPS can later be used in criminal proceedings. CPS investigations follow different rules from criminal cases, but their findings can strongly influence how prosecutors proceed with child abuse and endangerment charges.

Our legal team is highly experienced in navigating Ohio CPS procedures, understanding how CPS operates, and protecting clients during interviews and investigations. We are here to uphold your rights while also addressing CPS concerns strategically.

How Our Legal Team Defends Child Abuse Allegations

Child abuse cases require a careful, thorough defense approach that accounts for both legal and factual complexities. At Patituce & Associates, our attorneys work collaboratively to evaluate every aspect of your case.

A defense strategy for a child abuse case may involve:

• Reviewing medical records, photographs, and expert evaluations
• Examining whether injuries are consistent with the allegations
• Identifying alternative explanations for physical findings
• Challenging the reliability of witness statements
• Evaluating whether discipline was reasonable under Ohio law
• Reviewing CPS procedures for errors or overreach
• Filing motions to suppress improperly obtained statements or evidence

Because these cases often involve multiple agencies, we can coordinate defense efforts across criminal court, juvenile court, and CPS proceedings to ensure a consistent, well-planned strategy.

Take the Next Step to Protect Your Rights – Call Now

If you are under investigation or have been accused of child abuse in Cleveland, it is important to act quickly. Early legal representation allows us to get to work that much sooner. 

Depending on what has already happened in the case against you, we might be able to protect your rights during questioning and guide interactions with CPS. Our goal is to protect your rights and reputation at every step, so you can uphold your name and stay a part of your child’s life.

At Patituce & Associates, we are always ready to stand by you. Contact our Cleveland child abuse lawyers today. Call (440) 771-1175 to begin.