Being accused of abuse or neglect is one of the most serious situations a person can face in the criminal justice system, particularly when the case involves a child or older adult. These allegations can affect your family, your employment, and your reputation long before a case ever reaches trial.
At O’Leary Law Office, our abuse and neglect attorneys in Circleville help clients understand the charges against them, protect their rights, and work toward the best possible outcome starting with a free phone consultation.
With years of experience representing clients charged with felonies and misdemeanors, criminal defense attorney Matthew O’Leary handles cases throughout Pickaway County and Central Ohio. Whether you are responding to a Child Protective Services investigation, a report from a caregiving facility, or a formal criminal charge, our firm will walk you through every stage of the process and explain what to expect next.
Why Choose O’Leary Law Office?
- 12+ years of experience providing criminal defense representation
- Clear, step-by-step guidance from initial consultation through case resolution
- Early review of evidence, witness statements, and agency reports to address disputed facts
- Experience navigating parallel investigations involving CPS and Adult Protective Services
- Consistent, honest communication so you always know where your case stands
- Local, Circleville-based representation with a free consultation
5 Ways a Neglect Lawyer in Circleville Can Help You
Types of Abuse and Neglect Charges We Handle
- Child Abuse Allegations: Defense against charges involving alleged physical or emotional harm to a child, whether within a family, a school, or another caregiving setting.
- Child Neglect Allegations: Representation for individuals accused of failing to provide adequate care, supervision, or support for a child.
- Endangering Children (R.C. 2919.22): Defense against Ohio’s child endangerment statute, which covers a wide range of alleged conduct and can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances.
- Elder Abuse Allegations: Defense for individuals or caregivers accused of physically or emotionally harming an older adult.
- Elder Neglect Allegations: Representation in cases involving alleged failure to provide necessary care to a senior in a home, family, or facility setting.
As an experienced child abuse defense lawyer in Circleville, OH, Matthew O’Leary understands how quickly these accusations can escalate and works to build a defense grounded in the specific facts of your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ohio law generally defines child neglect as failing to provide a child with adequate food, shelter, supervision, or medical care. Not every difficult parenting decision rises to the level of criminal neglect, and an experienced attorney can help clarify what the facts of your case actually show.
You will typically face an initial court appearance soon after charges are filed, and in many cases, a related investigation by an organization like the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY). Contacting an attorney immediately helps protect your rights in both processes at once.
Yes. Statements made to a caseworker can potentially be used in a related criminal proceeding, which is why it’s important to understand your rights before speaking with investigators.
Penalties vary depending on the severity of the allegations, the victim’s vulnerability, and whether the accused held a position of trust or caregiving responsibility. Charges can range from misdemeanors to serious felonies.
Not necessarily. Many cases are resolved through negotiation, diversion programs, or dismissal when the evidence supports it, while others proceed to trial depending on the facts.
Talk to a Neglect Charges Lawyer in Circleville, Ohio
If you or a loved one has been accused of child abuse, child neglect, elder abuse, or elder neglect, don’t face the situation without legal guidance. Contact O’Leary Law Office today to speak directly with a neglect charges lawyer in Circleville, Ohio. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and fight to protect your future.
O’Leary Law Office, LLC
Matthew L. O’Leary
*Director – Huffer & Huffer Co. L.P.A
130 West Franklin Street, P.O. Box 682,
Circleville, Ohio 43113, United States
p. (740) 474-4411
f. (740) 477-1778
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Call O’Leary Law At 740.474.4411
Criminal defense attorney Matthew O’leary will work with you to help defend your unique case against weapons, gun or firearm charges.