A sexual assault conviction will impact you for the rest of your life. Take legal action now if you have been charged with this sex crime. An Upper Arlington sexual assault lawyer can look for ways to dispute the case against you.
Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt is an Ohio criminal defense law firm with more than three decades of experience and 300 five-star reviews. We bring calm to chaos and work diligently to protect our clients’ legal rights and best interests. Speak to an Upper Arlington sex crimes lawyer about your sexual assault case.
Why People Are Charged with Sexual Assault
A person claims someone engaged in sexual activity with them without their consent. They allege this individual used force, coercion, or manipulation. As such, the party responsible for the activity could be charged with sexual assault.
Ohio courts view sexual assault as a serious offense. If you are charged with this or another sex crime, take the offense seriously. Otherwise, you could be convicted and punished to the fullest extent of the law.
The team at Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt understands the severity of a sexual assault charge. We can connect you with an Upper Arlington sexual assault attorney who will give your case the attention it deserves. Consult with an Upper Arlington criminal defense lawyer.
For a free legal consultation with a sexual assault lawyer serving Upper Arlington, call 614-884-1100
Upper Arlington Sexual Assault Penalties Associated with a Conviction
The Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Chapter 2907 defines sex offenses and the punishments associated with them. How you are punished for sexual assault depends on the severity of your crime. Here are sexual assault crimes in Ohio and the punishments you could receive if convicted.
Rape
This is classified as a first-degree felony, with penalties that vary based on the victim’s age. With a rape conviction, an individual could receive three years to life in prison. A sexual assault lawyer in Upper Arlington will work diligently to contest a rape charge before it leads to a conviction.
Sexual Battery
Sexual battery is a form of sexual assault in which a perpetrator engages in non-consensual contact with a person’s intimate parts. The crime is punishable with a prison sentence of up to five years. A convicted offender must register with the Ohio Sex Offender Registry.
Gross Sexual Imposition (GSI)
A person can be arrested for GSI if they are involved in sexual contact with someone against their will. The crime is treated as a felony. Those convicted can receive a prison sentence of six months to three years.
Get legal help right away if you are charged with any of these or another sexual assault crime. A sexual assault attorney in Upper Arlington can guide you through the legal process. They can discuss the five steps to take if you are falsely accused of a sex crime and craft a legal strategy tailored to your case.
Upper Arlington Sexual Assault Lawyer Near Me 614-884-1100
Legal Strategies to Consider for a Sexual Assault Case
Getting your desired case results can be an uphill battle. Regardless, your lawyer assists you every step of the way. They can develop a legal strategy designed to disprove the prosecution’s case against you and may consider many possible defenses, including:
Consent
Sexual activity between two people was consensual, but one of the parties says afterward it was not. Your lawyer can share details about what the age of consent is in Ohio and other topics relating to this legal strategy. If warranted, they can present evidence to show that there was consent.
Alibi
Someone accuses you of sexual assault, but you were not present at the location of the crime when it allegedly occurred. Your lawyer can highlight how a crime may have been committed, but you were not involved. They can do so by sharing your alibi, which could make it difficult for the prosecution to get a conviction.
Mistaken Identity
You are charged with sexual assault because someone mistakes you for the person responsible for the sex crime. In this situation, your lawyer can argue that this is a case of mistaken identity. They can provide proof that makes it clear to the court that you were not the individual who committed the crime, which may lead to your case’s dismissal.
Lack of Evidence
The prosecution offers evidence, and your lawyer can raise doubts about its validity. At the same time, your attorney can provide proof that makes the court question if you should be found guilty. If you have plenty of proof and there is a lack of evidence against you, the court may be inclined to rule in your favor.
Your lawyer remains accessible as they put your legal strategy together. They can answer your questions about how consent is determined and other topics relating to your case. We want you to make informed decisions at each stage of your legal proceedings.
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Tips to Help You with a Sexual Assault Case
Prioritize your sexual assault charge. You do not have to deal with the charge alone. Request help from a lawyer with relevant sexual assault case experience, and you will receive legal guidance and support as you go through your litigation.
Work with your attorney to gather evidence. Biological and trace evidence, written communications between you and the alleged victim, and other proof can make a world of difference. If you have an abundance of evidence, the prosecution could encounter problems in their efforts to argue that you should be convicted.
Be open to a plea agreement, as accepting one could allow you to avoid a significant prison sentence. Your lawyer will let you know if a plea bargain is an option in your case. If the prosecution offers a plea deal, evaluate the proposal with your lawyer, and your attorney can help you weigh the pact’s pros and cons.
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Trust Ohio’s Premier Criminal Defense Firm to Help You with Your Sexual Assault Case
Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt has a proven track record of success in criminal cases.
We have the legal wisdom and experience to know what to do as your sexual assault case moves forward. Request a case consultation with us.
Call or text 614-884-1100 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
