Legal Question in Criminal Law in Ohio

Re: child abuse

These cases can be devestating, both for your emotional psyche and for your family. It sounds like the case is at the accusatory stage: no charges have been filed yet, but an accustion has been made. That is good, because it means that you can still protect yourself from false accusations (or mitigate the case if the accusation is true).

One tactic that the police often use in these circumstances is to "invite" you to the police station to "tell your side of the story." In my 25 years of experience as a criminal defense attorney, what they really mean is "come on down to the police station where it will be easy for us to arrest you after you confess to the crime." I have never once had a police officer talk to a client and then decide, "Oh.well, I guess this guy is innocent. Sorry to have bothered you." Consequently, my advice is never talk to the police unless your attorney is physically standing next to you. Never go to the police station for a "voluntary" statement unless your attorney has set it up.

"Fondling a child" can be a very serious felony offense and could result in a prison sentence. You are in a good position in that you can hire an attorney to help you protect yourself before you talk to the police.

I would not delay, but would hire an attorney immediately.