Crimes involving children often carry harsh criminal penalties. However, if you are accused of a sex crime involving a minor, the consequences of a conviction could be devastating. Not only could you be subject to considerable time in prison, but once you are released, you will need to register as a sex offender, which will make your personal information and history available to the public.
It has never been more important for you to protect your rights. Turn to a trial-proven Lancaster high school sex crimes lawyer from Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt to get a reputable criminal defender on your side.
When you schedule your confidential consultation with our Lancaster sex crimes lawyer, who has represented over 15,000 clients over the years, you can discuss the criminal charges against you, what to expect in terms of arraignment and bail, and consider every possible defense strategy that could be used to clear your name.
Our Lancaster High School Sex Crimes Attorney Handles Many Offenses
It is important to understand the gravity of the charges against you. High school sex offenses can take multiple forms. Your Lancaster criminal defense lawyer will carefully review the formal criminal charges against you to better understand exactly what you are facing and how strong the prosecutor’s case may be.
Here are some of the most common types of high school sex crime cases our team at Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt handles:
For a free legal consultation with a high school sex crimes lawyer serving Lancaster, call 614-884-1100
Statutory Rape
Statutory rape is one of the most common types of high school sex crimes. This can be tried as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the age of the alleged victim and the age difference between the alleged victim and the defendant. For instance, if there is a less than four-year age gap between you and the alleged victim, you could face first-degree misdemeanor charges.
If convicted, you might pay up to $1,000 in fines and spend as much as six months in an Ohio state prison. However, if you are less than 10 years older than the alleged victim, charges increase to a fourth-degree felony. This could land you in prison for up to 18 months and require you to pay fines of up to $5,000.
However, first-degree felony statutory rape charges are the most severe. These charges may apply if the alleged victim is under the age of 13. If convicted, you could spend a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison or the rest of your life, depending on the circumstances of your case. You could also be ordered to pay fines as high as $20,000 and register as a sex offender if you are released.
Lancaster High School Sex Crimes Lawyer Near Me 614-884-1100
Rape
Rape is one of the most serious types of high school sex crimes you can be accused of committing. The circumstances surrounding the alleged rape will determine the extent of the penalties you will face, as described by the Office of the Butler County Prosecutor. For instance, if you are accused of rape under Ohio Revised Code Section 2907.02, you could spend up to 11 years in prison or the rest of your life in prison if you have been classified as a sexually violent predator (SVP) under Ohio Revised Code Section 2941.148.
However, if you are accused of rape by administering any type of controlled substance as described under Ohio Revised Code Section 3719.41, you could spend a mandatory minimum of five years in prison or life in prison if you have an SVP designation. Having a rape conviction on your record will permanently alter the course of your life. You may find it difficult to maintain relationships with friends and family, find housing, or otherwise get back to some sense of normalcy after completing your sentence.
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Unlawful Contact With a Minor
Another common high school sex crime is unlawful contact with a minor under Ohio Revised Code Section 2907.04. If you are less than four years older than the alleged victim, you could be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor. You may be required to register as a tier one sex offender, spend up to 180 days in jail, and be fined up to $1,000 if you are convicted.
The bigger the age gap between you and the alleged victim, the harsher your charges may be. For instance, if you are less than 10 years older than the alleged victim, you could be ordered to pay fines of up to $5,000 and spend up to 18 months in prison. You may also be designated a tier two sex offender and be required to register for up to 25 years.
However, if you were more than 10 years older than the alleged victim, you could spend up to five years in prison and pay fines up to $10,000 for a third-degree felony conviction. You also may be required to register as a tier three sex offender for the rest of your life according to the Ohio sex offender registration tiers.
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Unlawful Dissemination of Intimate Images
Unlawful dissemination of intimate images is also commonly referred to as revenge porn under Ohio Revised Code Section 2917.211. It involves the sharing or posting of explicit personal images or videos without the consent of the individual depicted. If the alleged victim is under the age of 18, not only could you be facing revenge porn charges, but you could even be charged with a child pornography-related offense.
If this is your first revenge porn offense, third-degree misdemeanor charges may apply. This could carry a $500 fine and a 60-day jail sentence. However, if you have previously been accused or convicted of revenge porn, you could be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by a $1,000 fine and up to 180 days in jail.
Get Help From a Reputable High School Sex Crimes Attorney in Lancaster
Sometimes, it can be difficult to determine how to approach your defense. When you are facing incarceration with violent career criminals, and the state’s case against you is particularly strong, it may be in your best interest to negotiate a plea agreement wherever possible. On the other hand, if you are innocent, you might not be willing to accept a plea for a crime you did not commit.
Your dedicated Lancaster high school sex crimes lawyer from Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt can help you make the best decision possible based on the circumstances of your case. When you are overwhelmed and unsure of what your next steps should be, reach out to our legal team to request a 100% confidential consultation. You can reach us through our secured and confidential contact form or by phone to schedule your initial defense strategy session as soon as today.
Call or text 614-884-1100 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form