Sex Crimes Lawyer in Carrollton

Legal Counsel for Ohio Sex Crime Charges

Sex offenses are incredibly serious and can significantly affect your reputation and career. If you are facing charges for a sex crime, it’s critical to seek legal assistance from the experienced team at the Youngstown Criminal Law Group. Our Carrollton criminal lawyer can provide you with the support and representation you need.

Ohio Sex Offenses Categories

Ohio categorizes sex offenses into five levels of felonies and misdemeanors, with first-degree offenses being the most severe and fifth-degree offenses being the least severe, often carrying less stringent penalties.

Sex Offenses & Misdemeanors and Their Penalties

1. Sexual Imposition

Sexual imposition refers to non-consensual sexual contact, often involving coercion, drugs, alcohol, or mental impairment. According to the Ohio Revised Code, this offense can fall into different classifications based on the circumstances:

• First-degree misdemeanor: Prohibits sexual contact by individuals with prior convictions for crimes such as rape, unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, sexual battery, or gross sexual imposition. The penalty includes up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
• Third-degree misdemeanor: Includes cases where sexual contact occurs:
• Between offenders (e.g., mental health professionals) and their clients or patients.
• Between individuals aged 13-16 years, where the offender is at least 18 and at least 4 years older than the victim.
• When the victim is unaware of the sexual contact due to ignorance or substantial impairment.
• When the offender knowingly engages in sexual contact offensive to the victim.

Penalties for third-degree misdemeanor sex offenses include up to 60 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500.

2. Aggravated Sexual Assault or Rape

Under Ohio Revised Code 2907.02, rape is defined as engaging in forceful sexual intercourse with another person through the use of threats, actual force, or impairment. This offense leads to severe consequences, including life imprisonment, mandatory sex offender registration, and a permanent criminal record.

A person may face rape charges under the following conditions:

• When the victim’s capacity to resist is impaired by substances administered through coercion or deceit.
• When the victim is below the age of 13.
• When the offender is aware of the victim’s vulnerability due to a physical or mental condition.

Since rape is categorized as a first-degree felony in Ohio, penalties include 3-10 years in prison and/or fines up to $20,000. If the victim is a minor, penalties escalate to life imprisonment or imprisonment without parole.

3. Sexual Battery

Sexual battery involves non-consensual sexual acts and is classified as a second or third-degree felony in Ohio, with specific circumstances leading to such charges, including:

• When the victim is under the age of 13.
• When the victim’s ability to resist is substantially impaired.
• When the victim is deceived by the offender regarding their identity, mistaking the offender for their spouse.
• When the offender is a parent, step-parent, guardian, or individual holding a position of authority (e.g., coach, teacher, administrator, or mental health professional).

Convictions for sexual battery carry severe penalties:

• Second-degree felony (victim under 13): 2-5 years in prison and a fine up to $15,000.
• Third-degree felony (victim above 13): 1-5 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

4. Illegal Sexual Activity with a Minor

Illegal sexual activity with a minor, regulated under Ohio Revised Code 2907.04, involves sexual engagement with a minor aged 13-16 by an individual aged 18 or older. The penalties for these charges depend on specific conditions:

• Fourth-degree felony: 6-18 months in jail and/or a fine up to $5,000.
• Third-degree felony (offender 10+ years older than the minor): 1-5 years in prison and/or fines up to $10,000.
• First-degree felony (offender 4+ years older than the minor): Life imprisonment, potential 6-month imprisonment, and/or fines up to $15,000.

Repeat offenses or prior convictions escalate these charges and their penalties further.

The Sex Offender Registry

Every convicted sex offender in Ohio is required to register with the state’s CCSD database. This registry tracks offenders and provides information to the Ohio Attorney General’s office for oversight. Judges may also impose community notification rules, requiring law enforcement to personally inform neighbors, schools, and municipalities about an offender’s location and past crimes.

Get Immediate Help From the Youngstown Criminal Law Group

Are you or someone you know facing charges for a sex crime? Speak (330) 992-3036 with one of our experienced attorneys at the Youngstown Criminal Law Group today. Our Carrollton OVI lawyer and criminal defense team will take the time to understand your case and strategize the best possible defense to protect your future.

Contact Youngstown Criminal Law Group – your trusted Carrollton criminal lawyer.