Those arrested for sexual assault or any type of sex crime face serious consequences under Ohio law.
It is critical that you obtain a skilled and compassionate Westerville sex crimes lawyer to represent your best interests. Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt brings 30 years of experience to your legal defense, and our Westerville sexual assault lawyer will ensure your rights remain protected.
Potential Defense Strategies for Sexual Assault in Ohio
Our highly skilled sexual assault lawyer in Westerville knows exactly what steps to take to guide you through this very complex case and minimize any risk to your future. We treat each case with careful attention to your individual circumstances and needs, working to build a strong defense strategy based on the evidence in your case. Some of the most powerful defense strategies that may apply include:
- Lack of consent: If we can show that the lack of consent claim is inaccurate, we can demonstrate that you are not responsible for criminal actions. This could enable us to limit the presentation of evidence used against you.
- Lack of evidence: To pursue sexual assault, the prosecutor needs evidence that is reliable and robust, but our legal team may work to show that they lack this evidence, and therefore, you cannot be held accountable.
- Entrapment: Proving that you were entrapped by law enforcement in this situation, noting that they induced or encouraged someone to commit the crime, could help your case.
- Alibi: Showing you have a clear alibi and, therefore, could not have committed the crime is another defense strategy we may recommend in your case.
Our experience indicates that those charged with sexual assault face a significant amount of pressure to plead their case, but our attorneys will put you in the position to get the legal guidance you need to beat your case if that is possible.
We meet with you, discuss your rights, build your defense, and provide realistic insights to guide you. Expect the experience of our Westerville criminal defense lawyer to work on your behalf.
You Need Proven Legal Experience, and We Have It
Our award-winning attorneys help clients beat some of the most challenging odds to recover from claims made against them.
Expect our attorneys to provide you with fair insight into what your best possible defense strategies may be based on cases like your own and the clear evidence to support you whenever possible. We fight for you. Expect our Westerville sexual assault attorney always to provide you with confidence as you take on the battle of your life.
For a free legal consultation with a sexual assault lawyer serving Westerville, call 614-884-1100
Understanding the Difference Between Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Assault Under Ohio Law
Those charged with sexual assault are alleged to have engaged in any type of sexual activity that occurs without the victim’s consent, including the involvement of coercion. It applies in situations where the victim does not give consent or does not have the ability to provide consent. More specifically, consent is recognized as knowing, voluntary, and active, and without consent, a person could be charged with a felony.
Sexual misconduct is still a serious crime but is a broader term that is not specifically defined under the state’s laws as its own entity. However, it typically involves unwanted advances, sexual harassment, or inappropriate touching. Because these are non-consensual and unwelcome, these behaviors can lead to serious consequences if convicted.
Both sexual misconduct and sexual assault carry long-term outcomes, including the potential of stigma that follows a person throughout their lifetime. Because of this implication and the risk of misconduct being classified as a sexual assault, it is critical to have a legal team available to guide you through building a strong defense. Speak to a sexual assault attorney in Westerville before you answer any questions.
Westerville Sexual Assault Lawyer Near Me 614-884-1100
The Cards Are Stacked Against You
Under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2907, those charged with a sex crime could face serious jail time, fees, and years of struggling to find work or a place to live. In situations where you are facing sexual assault charges, we encourage you not to go to court or speak to the police without legal guidance by your side. This is critical to minimizing complications in your case, including in cases such as the following:
- Claims of rape, a first-degree felony charge punishable with up to life in prison without the opportunity for parole.
- Sexual battery, a third-degree felony, or a second-degree felony if the victim is under the age of 13, which can lead to a minimum sentence of 12 months or 2 years, respectively.
- Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, a fourth-degree felony, with convictions resulting in up to 1.5 years in prison and fines.
- Sexual implication, a third-degree misdemeanor charge, sexual implication includes knowingly touching a victim in an inappropriate or engaging manner deemed harassment, often to those between the ages of 13 and 16, resulting in jail time of 60 days in prison.
- Gross sexual implication, a fourth-degree felony, applied to victims under the age of 13 when force is used or the perpetrator was aware of impaired judgment due to substance use, leading to prison time.
These examples of sexual assault, as recognized under Ohio law can be complex with serious legal implications. If you are charged with any felony or misdemeanor it is critical to protect yourself by having an attorney available to guide you throughout the legal matter. Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt brings years of experience to your fight, all backed by our case results.
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When Representation Matters, Contact Our Westerville Sexual Assault Lawyer
Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt has more than 30 years of legal experience that we draw from in every case to build a robust and comprehensive defense strategy for our clients.
Even if your future looks difficult and you are unsure how you will navigate the legal complications, call a Westerville sexual assault lawyer within our firm today. We advocate for our clients every step of the way.
Call or text 614-884-1100 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form