If you are facing sexual assault charges, you need help. Helping people is what Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt is all about. We have been Ohio’s premier defense firm for over 30 years, and a Delaware sex crimes defense lawyer from our firm is ready to put those decades of defense experience to work for you.
Sexual assault charges can bring serious penalties. That’s why having exceptional representations matters. A Delaware, OH, sexual assault lawyer from our team can provide the representation you need to get you through this difficult situation and obtain the best case resolution possible.
How a Sexual Assault Lawyer in Delaware, OH Can Help You
A Delaware criminal defense lawyer provides critical protection as soon as you enter a legal partnership. We will examine your arrest, the events leading up to it, and your time in custody. If your rights were violated, we will expose the violation and fight for a case dismissal.
If the charges stand, we will conduct a thorough review of the alleged victim’s accusations against you. One in three sexual assault allegations are unfounded. If this statistic applies to your situation, we will work to bring the false claim to light.
Building a Defense
There are ways to defend against sexual assault charges, and we will determine which course of action is best for your case. We will dig deep as we search for evidence to support your defense, putting our extensive experience, resources, and legal knowledge and skill into constructing an effective, powerful strategy. Possible defenses include:
- The sexual activity was consensual. You did not force anyone to do anything against their will
- You have been misidentified. The victim may have been assaulted, but not by you
- You have been falsely accused. The victim may be a jealous ex seeking revenge or another person with a vendetta
Plea Bargaining
Charges and penalties can be reduced through plea bargaining. Through this process, your attorney and the prosecution negotiate until an agreement is reached. By accepting a plea bargain, you can agree to lesser charges and avoid a trial.
Our team is comprised of skilled negotiators who will present mitigating factors to argue for your charge and penalties to be reduced. Mitigating factors work in your favor, decreasing your culpability. For example, you may have a clean criminal record, express true remorse, or have intellectual or emotional challenges that affect your judgment.
Representing You in Court
If your case goes to trial, you can count on insightful, effective representation from your attorney. We have the wisdom and experience to know exactly what to do each step of the way, the field of vision to see what’s coming, and the instincts to know what’s around the corner. Strategic moves by the prosecution will not rattle us or take us off course, and neither will acts of prosecutorial misconduct.
Knowing what is prosecutorial misconduct at trial is part of our job. We will recognize and challenge any overstepping or rule-breaking by the prosecution. Count on us to protect your rights throughout the trial process.
For a free legal consultation with a sexual assault lawyer serving Delaware, call 614-884-1100
What to Do When Arrested for Sexual Assault
When you are arrested for sexual assault, arresting officers will put you in handcuffs and take you into custody for booking. They are required to read you your rights, which include the right to remain silent. Other than providing your name, you should not say anything else to law enforcement.
You may feel the need to defend yourself, especially if you have been falsely accused. Remember that anything you say can be used against you. Wait for your attorney to arrive before you answer any questions. The first of our five steps to take if you are falsely accused of a sex crime is to seek representation–do not try to speak on your own behalf.
After booking, you will be put in jail to await your arraignment. Exercise your right to an attorney and call us as soon as possible. A sexual assault attorney in Delaware, OH, is ready to bring calm to the chaos you are experiencing by offering sound legal guidance and personal support.
Delaware Sexual Assault Lawyer Near Me 614-884-1100
Understanding Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is a term comprising a variety of sexual offenses. The behaviors involved in specific offenses vary. The Ohio Laws and Administrative Rules Chapter 2907 provides definitions and explanations for forms of sexual assault.
Generally speaking, there are two categories of sexual assault offenses. Sexual contact involving unlawful penetration and sexual contact involving unlawfully touching someone else’s “erogenous zones” for sexual gratification.
There are specific definitions for particular offenses. Your Delaware, OH, sexual assault attorney will explain the charges and potential penalties to you. Your lawyer will also review the charges carefully, making sure the prosecution has not overstepped the law.
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Penalties for Sexual Assault
Penalties for sexual assault range from first-degree felonies to lower-level misdemeanors. For example, as per the Ohio Court Record, rape is a first-degree felony potentially carrying a sentence of life in prison. Sexual imposition is a third-degree misdemeanor, and those convicted can face 60 days in jail, a $500 fine, or both penalties.
Ohio classifies sex offenses into three tiers based on their level of seriousness, and offenders must register as a sex offender for a time period determined by their tier level.
- Tier 1: Refers to “sexually oriented offenders” and demands annual registration for 15 years, though some cases may be reduced to 10 years
- Tier 2: Refers to “habitual sex offenders” who must register bi-annually for 25 years
- Tier 3: Refers to “sexual predators” who must register every three months for the rest of their lives
The penalties, even for lower-level sexual assault offenses, are serious. A conviction can destroy your reputation, relationships, and job prospects and limit where you can live. You need the powerful defense the team at Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt can provide.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
You Are One Call Away from Feeling Better
It makes sense to be scared when facing sexual assault charges. Your freedom and your future are at stake. But you are one call away from feeling better by putting your case in the hands of the supportive, skilled hands of a Delaware Sexual Assault Lawyer from Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt.
Call or text 614-884-1100 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
