Today’s society is more aware than ever of acts of sexual misconduct due to increased publicity of some high-profile sex crimes. Every day, there seems to be another story of a boss, teacher, coach, or relative accused of inappropriate behavior. However, not every accusation is true. An experienced Columbus sex crimes lawyer can help you fight a charge.
If you have been accused of or arrested for a sex offense in Ohio, the cards are truly stacked against you. You may already be perceived as guilty by friends, family, and the court of public opinion. Thankfully, the American justice system presumes all defendants are innocent until proven guilty.
With over 30 years of experience advocating for our clients, your Columbus criminal defense lawyer with Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt will fight aggressively on your behalf. We bring calm to chaos. Contact us today by phone or through our website to schedule a confidential case consultation.
What Is the Legal Definition of a Sex Crime in Ohio?
Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2907 defines sex crimes as offenses that involve sexual conduct or contact without the consent of the other person or involving a minor. Many charges can fall under the umbrella of sex crimes. Some examples of sex crimes in Ohio include:
- Rape under Ohio Revised Code § 2907.02: Rape is defined as engaging in sexual conduct with another person by force, the threat of force, or when the other person is incapable of consenting due to being impaired, unconscious, or under 13. With your Columbus rape defense lawyer advocating for your rights, you can face this accusation head-on.
- Sexual battery under Ohio Revised Code § 2907.03: Ohio defines sexual battery as engaging in sexual conduct with another person through coercion, force, or when the alleged victim is substantially impaired and unable to consent. Your Columbus sexual battery defense lawyer can assist you in defending your freedom.
- Gross sexual imposition under Ohio Revised Code § 2907.05: Engaging in sexual contact with another person who is not the spouse of the offender and who is either under the age of 13 or who is between the ages of 13 and 16, and the offender is a parent, teacher, or coach of the victim. Your Columbus gross sexual imposition can investigate the circumstances surrounding your charges and craft a powerful defense strategy.
- Importuning under Ohio Revised Code § 2907.07: Soliciting or engaging in sexual activity with a minor or someone believed to be a minor over the internet or by other electronic means. An importuning charge can be challenged with the advice and support of your Columbus importuning defense lawyer.
If you have been arrested for any of these offenses or another sex crime, securing legal representation can prove critical. Since 1993, we have been the firm that other lawyers call. Connect with your Columbus Sex Crimes Lawyer Near Me at 614-884-1100.
For a free legal consultation with a sex crimes lawyer serving Columbus, call 614-884-1100
What are the Penalties for Sex Crimes in Ohio?
The penalties for sex crimes in Ohio depend on the specific offense and the circumstances of the case. However, sex crimes are considered very serious offenses in Ohio and carry significant legal consequences. Here are some examples of penalties for sex crimes in Ohio:
- Significant prison terms
- Fines in the thousands of dollars
- Restitution to victims
- Probation or parole after prison terms have been served
- Liability in civil injury cases
- Sex offender registration
- Other restrictions
Imprisonment
Many sex crimes in Ohio carry mandatory minimum prison sentences, ranging from a few years to life in prison. The sentence’s length depends on the offense’s nature and severity. For example, a conviction for rape can result in a sentence of three, five, or ten years to life in prison, depending on the circumstances of the case.
Fines
A conviction for a sex crime in Ohio can also result in substantial fines. The fines depend on the offense and can range from several thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. They are based on the degree of felony and are found under Ohio Revised Code § 2929.18.
Probation
In some cases, a judge may sentence a convicted sex offender to probation instead of, or in addition to, prison time. Probation typically includes strict conditions, such as regular check-ins with a probation officer, mandatory sex offender treatment, and a ban on contact with minors. You may also be eligible for parole after you have served a portion of your sentence with provisions similar to probation.
Sex Offender Registration
A conviction for a sex crime in Ohio requires mandatory registration on the state’s sex offender registry. Based on the offense and the tier under which you are classified, you will need to register for between 15 years to the rest of your life, and public notification of the offender’s status is required.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office outlines the tier system in their Electronic Sex Offender Registration and Notification system (E-SORN).
Collateral Consequences
A sex crime conviction can also result in restrictions, such as a ban on contact with minors, limitations on where the offender can live or work, and mandatory sex offender treatment.
In addition to the criminal penalties of a sex crime conviction, you may face other collateral consequences related to your employment and social life. Registering as a sex offender will limit where you can live and work and may prevent you from continuing in your current job.
On top of that, you will likely face social stigma for your conviction, especially if the offense involves a minor. Overall, the penalties for sex crimes in Ohio can be severe and life-altering.
If you are facing sex crime charges, working with an experienced sex crimes attorney in Columbus who can help you understand your options and build a strong defense is essential.
Get in touch with our team today to get started. You are only one call away from feeling better. Contact our Columbus sex crimes attorney today to start formulating your defense strategy now.
Columbus Sex Crimes Lawyer Near Me 614-884-1100
Sex Offender Registration Requirements
In Ohio, sex offender registration is mandatory for anyone convicted of a sex crime, regardless of whether the offense was committed in Ohio or another state. Failure to follow sex offender registration requirements can result in additional criminal charges. Here are some key requirements for sex offender registration in Ohio:
- Registration
- Notification
- Updates
- Verification
- Consequences of non-compliance
Registration
A convicted sex offender must register with the local sheriff’s office within three business days of release from prison or, if not sentenced to prison, within three days of sentencing.
The offender must provide personal information, including their name, address, photograph, and fingerprints. You must also register with the new county’s sheriff’s office if you move to a different location.
Notification
Ohio law requires law enforcement agencies to notify the public of a convicted sex offender’s presence in the community. This information is available on the Ohio Attorney General’s website and through other means, such as local newspapers or community notifications.
You can also search for offenders in your area through Ohio’s E-SORN system.
Updates
Convicted sex offenders must keep their registration information up to date. This includes notifying the sheriff’s office within three business days of any change in address, employment, or school attendance. Penalties for failing to stay current with your registration are found under Ohio Revised Code § 2950.99.
Verification
The sheriff’s office may conduct periodic in-person verifications of a sex offender’s registration information. This typically involves visiting the offender’s residence or place of employment to confirm that the information provided is accurate. The offender will then be provided with a certificate of verification by the sheriff’s office that completed the verification.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements in Ohio can result in criminal charges, including a new felony offense. Your designated tier may dictate the level of charges you may be facing if you have failed to comply with your obligations.
Non-compliance can also result in probation or parole revocation and may affect an offender’s eligibility for early release or other benefits.
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Sex Offender Registration Tiers
Sex offender registration requirements in Ohio are extensive and can have significant consequences for those required to register. If you have questions or concerns about sex offender registration in Ohio, it is important to consult with an experienced sex crimes attorney in Columbus. The Ohio sex offender registration tiers include:
- Tier I: 15 years with in-person verification annually
- Tier II: 25 years with in-person verification every 180 days
- Tier III: Lifetime registration with in-person verification every 90 days
You also need to consider whether a plea deal will require you to register as a sex offender. An experienced Columbus sex crimes lawyer may be able to get you a deal that does not require you to join the sex offender registry. We are the firm other law firms use and recommend.
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Defenses to Sex Crimes in Ohio
If you are facing charges for a sex crime in Ohio, it is crucial to work with an experienced sex crimes lawyer in Columbus who can help you build a strong defense.
While having your charges dismissed before trial would be ideal, you should be prepared to craft a powerful defense. Here are some common defenses to sex crimes in Ohio:
- Lack of consent
- Mistaken identity
- Insufficient evidence
- Alibi
- Entrapment
Lack of Consent
Many sex crimes involve allegations of non-consensual sexual activity. If the prosecution cannot prove that the alleged victim did not consent to the sexual activity, the defendant may be acquitted of the charges. We may also be able to present evidence that the alleged victim did, in fact, consent.
Mistaken Identity
As is human nature, people can make mistakes, and eyewitnesses may not accurately recall a single person’s face. In some cases, a defendant may be falsely accused of a sex crime due to mistaken identity. The defense may argue that the alleged victim is mistaken or that the defendant was misidentified.
Insufficient Evidence
The prosecution is burdened to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If insufficient evidence supports the charges, the defendant may be acquitted. We may also introduce evidence that refutes the prosecution’s claims.
Alibi
If the defendant has a credible alibi that places them elsewhere at the time of the alleged crime, this can be used as a defense. Video footage or credible witnesses swearing under oath that the defendant was with them when the alleged crime occurred can prove this.
However, alibis are frequently challenged and may only be a worthwhile defense if they can be proven beyond any doubt.
Entrapment
In some cases, law enforcement officers may engage in entrapment, which occurs when they induce or encourage someone to commit a crime they would not have otherwise.
If entrapment can be proven, it may be a defense to the charges. It is important to note that each case is unique, and the best defense strategy will depend on the specific facts and circumstances of the case.
Why Hire a Columbus Sex Crime Defense Lawyer from KBN?
Best Lawyers of America, Super Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, and the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys have nationally recognized Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt and its defense team.
Still, more importantly, our firm has achieved incredible results for clients arrested for sex offenses. Here are a few of the positive outcomes we have achieved for our clients.
Child Molestation: Not Guilty Verdict
Our client was the subject of a 3-year investigation involving the alleged molestation of a young girl in the early 2000s. The case proceeded to a jury trial. We retained one of the world’s leading experts in false memory.
The prosecution called an expert psychologist on grooming and delayed disclosures. The defendant did not testify. On all counts, the jury returned a Not Guilty verdict in less than one hour. (State of Ohio vs. G.A., 2020)
Possession of Child Pornography: Case Dismissed
Mr. Koffel’s client was investigated on suspicion of possession of child pornography and voyeurism. He was terminated immediately by his department before the investigation could be concluded.
After a six-month investigation, it was determined that the images possessed by the client were not illegal, nor was there corroborating evidence that he had committed the crime of voyeurism, and the case was closed with no criminal charges.
Title IX Accusation: Acquitted
A football player at Ohio University was recently charged with sexual assault and acquitted of all charges after a lengthy Title IX hearing. These are just a few examples of the cases we have handled. In 30 years, we have earned over 300 five-star reviews.
Contact Your Dedicated and Understanding Columbus Sex Crime Defense Lawyer Today
Sex crimes are some of the most serious offenses you can be accused of in Ohio and carry significant legal consequences that can forever impact your life.
Your Columbus sex crime lawyer from Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt can help you understand your rights, explore your defense options, and advocate on your behalf. We can also help you navigate the complexities of the legal system and work to mitigate the consequences of a conviction.
Whether you are facing charges of rape, sexual assault, or any other sex crime in Ohio, taking action as soon as possible is essential to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome.
Reach out to us by completing our online contact form or giving us a call and scheduling your confidential case evaluation. We are available seven days a week, from 7 AM to 10 PM.
Call or text 614-884-1100 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
