The college experience is supposed to be one you remember for the rest of your life. However, if you have been accused of forcing yourself on someone else or otherwise committing a serious sex offense, it could have a devastating impact on your future. With a sex crime conviction on your record, there is virtually no aspect of your life that will go unaffected.
For that reason, it will be in your best interest to retain a high-powered Lancaster college sex crimes lawyer from Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt. Your dedicated Lancaster sex crimes lawyer is available 24/7 so you can get the legal guidance you need when you need it most. To learn more about the extent of the state’s case against you and what to expect from your criminal charges, contact our law office to request a confidential case review.
What Happens if You Are Convicted Of a College Sex Crime
If you are found guilty of a college sex crime, expect your entire life to change. Even if you get let off “easy” or acquitted, your reputation will likely be destroyed, especially if your name and photo end up on the news or social media. That’s why hiring a Lancaster criminal defense lawyer is essential.
Here are some of the most common ways your life will be affected once you are accused of committing a college sex crime:
For a free legal consultation with a college lawyer serving Lancaster, call 614-884-1100
Criminal Penalties
The extent of your criminal penalties will depend on the type of college sex crime you have been accused of committing.
Several potential criminal charges may apply. For example:
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Statutory Rape
Statutory rape under Ohio Revised Code Section 2907.04 – If you are charged with a first-degree misdemeanor statutory rape, you could pay up to $1,000 in fines and spend up to six months in prison if you are less than four years older than the alleged victim. However, if you are charged with a fourth-degree felony because the alleged victim is under the age of 13, you could be fined up to $20,000 and spend the rest of your life in prison.
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Rape
Rape under Ohio Revised Code Section 2907.02 – If you are accused of date rape, you could spend up to 11 years in prison or the rest of your life in prison if you are designated a sexually violent predator (SVP) under Ohio Revised Code Section 2941.148.
However, if you are accused of raping someone under the age of 13 with the threat or use of force, you could be facing 25 years to life in prison or a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole if you have been designated an SVP according to the rape penalty sentencing guidelines by the office of the Butler county prosecutor.
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Unlawful Dissemination
Unlawful dissemination of intimate images under Ohio Revised Code Section 2917.211 – The possible charges you could face for sharing or posting sexually explicit images of someone without that party’s consent vary based on the number of times you have been accused of committing this offense.
For a first offense, you could spend up to 60 days in jail and pay up to $500 in fines for a third-degree misdemeanor conviction. However, charges could be elevated to a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to $1,000 in fines and as much as 180 days in jail if this is your third or subsequent offense.
Sex Offender Registry
You will also likely be required to register as a sex offender. Under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2950, once you have been released from jail or prison, you must register your status if you plan to stay in an area for more than three days or are moving into an area. You are also required to report your status if you are planning to go to school or work in another county.
Plan to notify the Lancaster sheriff’s office if you are going to be traveling for more than seven days or if your employment, school, or address changes. Failure to remain in compliance with sex offender registration reporting requirements could result in additional criminal charges. As a registered sex offender, your status on the Ohio sex offender registration tiers will determine how often you need to report in person to the sheriff’s office, as follows:
- Tier three sex offenders must report to the sheriff’s office in person every 90 days for the rest of your life.
- Tier two sex offenders must report to the sheriff’s office in person every 180 days for at least 25 years.
- Tier one sex offenders must report to the sheriff’s office in person every year for at least 15 years.
Collateral Consequences
The collateral consequences may not be a part of your criminal sentence but will ensure your life continues to be affected by the trauma of your college sex crime charges long after you have completed your sentence. Your Lancaster college sex crimes lawyer will prepare you to the best of our abilities. However, many individuals convicted of sex offenses find their entire lives turned upside down.
If you have children, for example, you may lose your child custody or parenting time. If you are not a US citizen, you may be at risk for deportation. Your firearm rights will be taken, you will likely be passed over for job opportunities, and you may find it difficult or impossible to find safe or affordable housing.
Meet With a Dedicated College Sex Crimes Lawyer in Lancaster for Help Today
The allegations against you may be devastating and ruin your personal and professional reputation. If you hope to get back to your life and avoid some of the shame and embarrassment that comes with a sex crime conviction, your best option may be to get the legal advice of a highly skilled college sex crimes attorney in Lancaster from Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt.
Our team can review the circumstances of your case to determine which defense options are most likely to result in a not-guilty verdict or other favorable outcome.
When you are ready to take your defense strategy seriously but are not sure where to begin, do not hesitate to contact our office to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. When you do, you can learn more about the possible penalties you could be facing, whether the state is willing to offer a plea and discuss how to approach your defense best. This could be your only chance to safeguard your future.
Call or text 614-884-1100 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form