Columbus Sexual Conduct With a Minor Defense Lawyer
Attorney Brad Koffel has over 25 years of experience representing men accused of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. His experience brings tremendous value and insight to new clients facing criminal charges for the first time.
Local, state, and federal law enforcement is aggressive in investigating, indicting, and prosecuting individuals suspected of committing sex crimes involving minors. That includes the crime of Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor.
For a free legal consultation with a unlawful sexual misconduct lawyer serving Columbus, call 614-884-1100
What is Unlawful Sexual Conduct?
In Ohio, Unlawful Sexual Conduct is a criminal offense that involves engaging in sexual activity with another person without their consent or with a person who is incapable of consenting due to their age, mental or physical condition, or because they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The act might still be considered unlawful even if the offender did not use force or violence. Additionally, certain behaviors that are not overtly sexual may still be considered unlawful if they involve physical contact without consent.
Under the Ohio Revised Code § 2907.04, unlawful sexual conduct with a minor involves any individual 18 years of age or older who:
- Engages in“sexual conduct” with another person who is not their spouse;and
- The offender“knows” that another person is under 16 but not younger than 13 (13-15 years of age);or
- The offender is“reckless” in that regard (i.e. should have known the minor’s age).
A charge for unlawful sexual conduct with a minor can expose accused individuals to profound and life-altering penalties and may put substantial prison time on the table. RC 297.04 is a 4th-degreefelony offense in most cases, and if you have any earlier conviction for a sexual offense, you will be charged with a 1st-degree felony.
Columbus Unlawful Sexual Misconduct Lawyer Near Me 614-884-1100
Charged with RC 2907.04 or Under Investigation?
While penalties may vary depending on the age difference between the two individuals, prison sentences can reach as high as 10 years in prison or more for those with certain criminal convictions. Additionally, convictions can result in mandatory sex offender registration.
Anyone under investigation for such a high-stakes offense, or anyone who has already been arrested or charged with a crime under this statute, should make it a priority to consult with experienced legal representation as soon as possible.
At Koffel Brininger Nesbitt, our attorneys have decades of collective experience protecting the rights, freedoms, and futures of clients facing serious sex crime charges and are well-known and respected throughout courts in Columbus, Franklin County, and the state of Ohio.
If you wish to speak with an attorney about your rights and options, call (614) 884-1100 or contact us online for a confidential case review.
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ORC 2907.04: Serious Allegations, Life-Altering Penalties
Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor is a serious sex offense, but it can encompass a wide range of conduct and circumstances not everyone may recognize as a crime.
For example, even cases involving two individuals in a consenting relationship – such as an 18-year-old and a 15-year-old – can warrant criminal charges under RC 2907.04. In these high school /juvenile sex offense cases, it may be that the charge of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor will be prosecuted as a 1st degree misdemeanor (commonly the case when offenders are less than 4 years older than the other person). However, that still creates exposure to serious penalties, including up to 6 months in jail.
In other situations, the risks for felony allegations and more serious penalties increase. That is particularly true when certain factors are involved, including:
- A large age difference between the two individuals (i.e. 10 or more years older);
- Previous criminal and / or sex crime convictions;
- The nature of the alleged conduct / relationship;
- The duration of the conduct / relationship and age of two parties when it began;
- Whether other crimes are alleged (i.e.computer sex crimes, disseminating matter harmful to juveniles, luring, sexual exploitation of a minor, sexual imposition, etc.).
Defense strategies for charges related to unlawful sexual conduct with a minor will vary, and are highly depending on the individual facts of a case. Whether they arise from a Title IX proceeding handled by school administrators, a sex crime investigation, or law enforcement sting operation, these charges demand an immediate response and carefully calculated course of action. That includes conducting investigations into:
- The nature of the alleged relationship;and
- The scope of law enforcement conduct when performing police sex crime investigations or sting operations.
RC 2907.04 is a unique charge, and it requires a great deal of discretion and sufficient investigation. Unfortunately, overzealous law enforcement and prosecutors may lack this discretion in their aggressive pursuit of arrests and convictions, and may commit critical violations of suspects’ and defendants’ Constitutional rights. A proven lawyer can help you determine if that’s the case in your situation.
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Contact a Columbus Sexual Conduct With a Minor Defense Lawyer Today
KBN reminds anyone facing a highly scrutinized criminal allegation such as unlawful sexual conduct with a minor that there are harsh social stigmas and aggressive procedures in place. Cooperating or speaking with law enforcement without a lawyer – even if you believe you are innocent – is a very risky decision that could come with major repercussions.
As soon as you are made aware of any allegation, investigation, or formal charge, you should be intent on consulting the defense attorneys from our firm.
KBN is here to guide you through the difficult process ahead. Contact us to speak confidentially with a lawyer about how we can protect your rights.
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