Sex Crimes Lawyer in St. Clairsville

Legal Representation for Ohio Sex Crime Charges

Sexual offenses are highly significant and can have a lasting impact on your reputation and professional life. If you are facing charges related to a sex crime, it is crucial to seek assistance from experienced St. Clairsville criminal lawyers in, Ohio.

Ohio’s Categories of Sex Offenses

Ohio classifies sexual offenses into five categories, with first-degree offenses being the most severe and fifth-degree offenses having less stringent penalties.

Sex Offenses & Misdemeanors and Their Penalties

1. Sexual Imposition

Sexual imposition involves non-consensual sexual contact, which can occur under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or mental impairment. Ohio Revised Code defines first-degree misdemeanor sexual imposition as the prohibition of sexual contact by an offender with prior convictions for rape, unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, sexual battery, or gross sexual imposition. The penalty for such offenses can include imprisonment for up to 6 months or a fine of up to $1,000. On the other hand, third-degree misdemeanor sexual imposition includes the prohibition of sexual contact in the following circumstances:

• When the offender is a mental health professional and the victim is their client or patient
• When the victim is between 13-16 years old and the offender is at least 18 years old or at least 4 years older than the victim
• When the victim’s lack of awareness of the sexual contact is due to ignorance
• When the victim’s ability to resist, control, or give consent to the sexual contact is substantially impaired
• When the offender is aware that the sexual contact is offensive to the victim

Misdemeanor sex offenses carry a maximum jail term of 60 days and a fine of up to $500.

2. Aggravated Sexual Assault or Rape

According to Ohio Revised Code 2907.02, rape is defined as engaging in non-consensual sexual contact with the use of threat or force. Rape can lead to severe penalties, including life imprisonment, lengthy jail terms, permanent St. Clairsville OVI lawyer records, and mandatory sex offender registration.

By seeking legal guidance and representation, you can navigate the complex legal system and work towards a resolution that safeguards your rights and future prospects.

An individual may face rape charges in the following circumstances:

• When substances, such as drugs or other intoxicating items, are used to control the victim’s judgment through deceit or force in order to prevent resistance.
• When the victim is below 13 years old.
• When the offender believes or is aware of the victim’s impairment due to a physical or mental condition that prevents resistance.

In the state of Ohio, rape is considered a first-degree felony and is punishable by imprisonment of 3-10 years or a fine of up to $20,000. However, if the victim is a minor, the punishment is lifetime imprisonment or imprisonment with no possibility of parole.

3. Sexual Battery:

Sexual battery is classified as a second or third-degree felony and can be charged in the following circumstances:

• When the victim is below 13 years old.
• When the victim’s ability to control or resist was substantially impaired.
• When the victim was forced to surrender.
• When the victim was unaware of the sexual contact.
• When the victim mistakenly believed the offender to be their spouse.
• When the offender is the parent, step-parent, or guardian.
• When the offender has legal custody over the other person.
• When the offender holds a supervisory or disciplinary authority over the victim.
• When the offender is a coach, administrator, or teacher in a facility attended by the victim.
• When the offender is a mental health professional who manipulated the victim into sexual contact by convincing them it was necessary for their treatment.

A conviction for sexual battery with a victim under 13 years of age is a second-degree felony and can be punished with imprisonment of 2-5 years and a maximum fine of $15,000. For cases involving victims above 13, the punishment is imprisonment for 1-5 years and a fine of up to $10,000.

Please note that engaging in such behavior is illegal and has serious consequences.

4. Illegal Sexual Activity with a Minor

Under the Ohio Revised Code 2907.04, engaging in sexual activity with a minor between the ages of 13 and 16 can lead to St. Clairsville criminal charges. The severity of the offense can range from a fourth-degree felony to a first-degree felony, depending on various circumstances. A fourth-degree felony carries a potential jail term of 6-18 months and a maximum fine of $5,000. A first-degree felony applies if the alleged offender is at least 4 years older than the victim, resulting in a maximum prison sentence of 6 months and/or a fine of up to $1,000. If the age difference is 10 years or more, the crime becomes a third-degree felony with a prison term of 1-5 years and a fine of up to $10,000. If the offender has a previous conviction for another sex crime, it escalates to a second-degree felony, leading to a prison term of 6-8 years or a maximum fine of $15,000.

The Sex Offender Registry

In Ohio, the CCSD is responsible for the registration of all sex offenders. A database is maintained to track convicted sexual offenders, which is subsequently shared with the attorney general’s office in Ohio. In some cases, judges may issue community notification rules, requiring deputies to personally inform neighbors, law enforcement agencies, and schools about the whereabouts of certain sex offenders, ensuring awareness of their unlawful conduct.

Get Immediate Help From the St. Clairsville Criminal Law Group

If you or someone you know is facing sex crime charges, seek legal assistance from the St. Clairsville Criminal Law Group. Our team of experienced St. Clairsville Ohio criminal lawyers can provide detailed guidance and the best possible legal representation.