If you are accused of committing any type of sex crime, you could be facing serious consequences. However, if the sex offense in question involves a high school student, your reputation could be destroyed. Clearing your name of the charges may be your best opportunity to avoid a conviction and safeguard your career and relationships with your friends and family.
To build the strongest defense strategy possible, turn to a reputable Newark high school sex crimes lawyer from Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt. Our Newark sex crimes lawyer is standing by, ready to put our 30+ years of trial experience and resources to work on your case. Contact our office to request a confidential consultation today and learn more about the extent of the penalties you are facing, what types of evidence the prosecutor might use against you, and discuss potential defense options.
Our Firm Defends Against a Wide Array of High School Sex Crimes in Newark
You are going to need the dedication of a skilled Newark criminal defense lawyer when you are facing a high school sex crime allegation. These types of sex offenses include multiple potential criminal charges, some of which could be stacked, leading to further penalties. Some examples of high school sex crimes could include:
- Sexual harassment under Ohio Administrative Code 3337-3-04
- Child sexual abuse under Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.111
- Statutory rape under Ohio Revised Code Section 2907.04
- Rape under Ohio Revised Code Section 2907.02
- Aggravated sexual assault under Ohio Revised Code Section 2907.03
- Revenge porn under Ohio Revised Code Section 2917.211
You could face high school sex crime charges in a number of scenarios. Engaging in sexual activity with a high school minor, for example, could lead to statutory rape or sexual abuse charges. You could also be charged with a sex offense if you are a minor who shares explicit images of another minor without their consent.
For a free legal consultation with a high school sex crimes lawyer serving Newark, call 614-884-1100
You Are Going to Need a Compelling Defense Strategy
The consequences of your charges alone could be catastrophic. A criminal conviction could completely turn your entire world upside down. For this reason, your high school sex crimes attorney in Newark needs to approach your defense strategy the right way. There is no right or wrong answer, but the circumstances of your case will help us determine which approach is most likely to produce the most favorable outcome possible.
Plea Agreements
Sometimes, if the state has a particularly strong case against you or you have a long criminal record, accepting a plea agreement may be the better option. There are limited circumstances under which the prosecutor may be willing to offer a plea. In many cases, they may simply be trying to avoid putting the alleged victim through the trauma of having to testify in open court.
However, not all district attorneys will be willing to offer a plea bargain, especially if the defendant is an adult and the alleged victim is a minor. You have the right to counsel, and your Newark high school sex crimes lawyer may be able to negotiate with the prosecutor to plead your charges down to a less serious offense. However, if the prosecutor remains unwilling or you are not interested in accepting a plea, we may need to bring your case to trial if we are going to protect your future.
Defenses at Trial
The type of high school sex crime you are accused of committing, the age of the alleged victim in your case, your criminal record, and the nature of the charges against you can all have an impact on which defense is most likely to secure an acquittal. We may need to challenge the alleged victim’s credibility by offering evidence that introduces reasonable doubt in the mind of the judge and jury as required under Ohio Revised Code Section 2901.05. Some potential defenses that may be most powerful in challenging high school sex crime allegations include:
- Misidentification
- Having an alibi
- The alleged victim consented to the sexual activity
- Challenging physical and DNA evidence
- Police or prosecutorial misconduct
- False accusations
However, it is important to keep in mind that even if the alleged victim did consent to the sexual contact, if they were under the legal age of consent, you can still face criminal charges. If the alleged victim was 18 years of age but still in high school, we may stand a greater chance of getting the charges against you dismissed, particularly if the alleged victim consented to the activity or you are in a relationship with the alleged victim. We will know more after reviewing the specific details of your case.
Newark High School Sex Crimes Lawyer Near Me 614-884-1100
What to Do When You are Under Investigation for a High School Sex Crime
You may be intimidated and overwhelmed when you first discover you are under investigation for a high school sex offense. You may not even know that police have been looking into you until you are officially taken into police custody. Here are some of the most important steps you should take once you find out you are being investigated or arrested:
- Recognize the severity of the allegations against you.
- Contact a Newark high school sex crimes attorney for help.
- Do not speak with the police or give them a statement.
- Do not talk with anyone other than your criminal defense lawyer about the charges against you.
- Gather and preserve as much physical or supporting evidence as you can.
- Cooperate with your defense team by being forthcoming and helping us build your defense.
- Do not contact the alleged victim or your accuser.
- Learn more about how the criminal justice process will unfold.
Depending on the details of your case, your high school sex crime charges could draw substantial public attention. For this region, you should do everything you can to maintain discretion while you are moving through the court system. Your support network and defense team will guide you through the process every step of the way so you can do everything possible to prioritize your emotional well-being during this difficult time in your life.
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Get Help From a High School Sex Crimes Lawyer in Newark Today
The fallout of a high school sex crime offense could destroy your life. Between the criminal penalties and collateral consequences, your entire future is on the line. With so much at stake, make sure you have the legal advice and support of a highly experienced high school sex crimes attorney in Newark from Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt.
Our team has a powerful track record of securing acquittals, plea agreements, and other favorable outcomes. We are prepared to analyze your case’s circumstances and build the strongest defense strategy possible. Get started on yours as soon as today when you fill out our secured contact form or call our office to schedule your confidential consultation.
Call or text 614-884-1100 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form