Being accused of sexual battery is serious and deeply personal. You may be scared, confused, and unsure of what to say or who to trust. A Columbus sexual battery lawyer with Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt can step in early to protect your rights, explain what to expect, and start building a defense that fits the facts.
Your Columbus sex crimes lawyer brings extensive experience, strategy, and a calm presence to a moment that likely feels chaotic. Our firm has been recognized among the Top 1% and listed in Best Lawyers in America for a reason. You will feel better as soon as you talk to us.
The Penalties and Collateral Consequences of a Sexual Battery Conviction
Being charged with sexual battery is serious, but it is just as important to understand what happens after a conviction. The consequences go far beyond jail time and can affect nearly every part of your life. Sentencing depends on several factors, including your criminal history, the age of the alleged victim, and how prosecutors decide to file the charge.
Felony Classification and Prison Sentencing
Sexual battery is classified as a third-degree felony in Ohio, which carries a possible prison sentence of one to five years. If the alleged victim is under 13, the charge becomes a second-degree felony, and the sentence can be extended up to eight years. Prosecutors may also seek harsher penalties for defendants with prior offenses or aggravating circumstances.
Registration, Housing Limits, and Life After Conviction
A conviction for sexual battery comes with mandatory registration as a sex offender. Your name, photo, and address may be listed on public databases, which can affect where you live and work. Many clients are surprised to learn how these rules apply after completing their sentences. These restrictions can limit housing options, job opportunities, and more long after the case ends.
For a free legal consultation with a sexual battery lawyer serving Columbus, call (614) 884-1100
Sexual Battery Charges in Ohio
Sexual battery is a serious felony charge under Ohio Revised Code 2907.03. It covers a wide range of situations where sexual conduct occurs without clear consent, including when someone is substantially impaired, misled about the nature of the act, or placed in a position where they are unable to say no.
When Sexual Battery Charges Apply
The law specifically applies to non-spouses and includes situations involving coercion, authority figures, and individuals who are unable to protect or advocate for themselves. These cases often involve teachers, coaches, mental health professionals, correctional staff, or others in trusted positions.
While both are felonies, rape charges often involve allegations of force or sexual conduct with a minor. You could be accused even if no physical force was used.
Allegations of Sexual Battery Involving Lack of Consent
Sexual battery focuses more on situations where the alleged victim could not give proper consent, such as when they were impaired or misled. It is important to understand what you are actually being accused of and why the charge matters.
Your Columbus sexual battery attorney with Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt will look closely at the facts, the accusations, and whether the state can actually prove what they are claiming. Our firm will walk you through the legal differences and help you understand exactly what is at stake.
Columbus Sexual Battery Lawyer Near Me (614) 884-1100
How Rape Charges in Ohio Differ From Sexual Battery Allegations
Rape and sexual battery are often mentioned together, but they are two different charges under Ohio law. It is easy to confuse them, especially in the early stages of an investigation. Your Columbus sexual abuse defense lawyer can help you understand what each charge means and what to expect going forward.
How Ohio Defines Rape
Under Ohio Revised Code 2907.02, rape is defined as sexual conduct that happens through force, deception, or when the other person cannot legally give consent. Four main situations often lead to rape charges:
- If someone uses force or the threat of force
- If the victim is under 13 (in which case consent and mistake of age are not legal defenses)
- When someone is physically or mentally impaired and unable to give legal consent
- Drugged assault, where a substance like Rohypnol is used to prevent resistance or awareness
These cases are sometimes called “roofie” cases and can be especially hard to prove because the drugs often leave the body quickly and may not show up in lab results.
Why Sexual Battery May Be Charged Instead
Sometimes, the state files a sexual battery charge under Ohio Revised Code 2907.03 instead of rape. This can happen when the situation involves a teacher, coach, clergy member, or someone else in a position of authority. It also applies if the person is impaired, unaware of what happened, or mistakenly believes the person was their spouse.
Your Columbus criminal defense lawyer can walk you through why the state may have chosen one charge over the other. They will also look at how the case started and whether your rights were protected during the investigation. You can learn more about how these cases begin by reviewing the Columbus investigation process for a sex offense.
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Speak With Your Sexual Battery Lawyer in Columbus Today
In many of these situations, the law may say the person could not legally consent, even if no force was used. It is completely normal to feel anxious or unsure about what happens when you are facing these charges. These cases are serious, but they do not have to take over your entire life.
Fortunately, we are here to talk things through, answer your questions, and help you understand what comes next. At Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt, we know that representation matters. Our team will answer your questions, keep you informed, and help you figure out what to do next. If you are ready to talk, contact us and we will take it from there.
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