Criminal Charges On Ohio Sex Crimes: Get Info On Sex Crime Defense
Remember that both civil and criminal courts are available to help victims of sex crimes. Criminal courts prosecute dangerous sexual predators and take them off the streets, while civil courts provide financial support for victims.
Our Ohio sex assault victims’ attorneys help survivors of sex offenses acquire financial support and justice through the civil courts. If you feel that the criminal justice system has failed to provide the support you need or has failed to prosecute your sex offender, we can help you file a civil sexual abuse lawsuit.
These domestic violence lawsuits also allow you to take legal action against negligent third parties who enabled the sexual abuse, such as:
- Youth sports organizations
- Schools and daycares
- Summer camps
- Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts
- Churches and religious organizations
- Business owners who failed to screen new hires for criminal histories
From Cleveland, Akron, Columbus, and sex crimes in Cincinnati, our dedicated personal injury law firm is here to help Ohio survivors step forward and pursue justice with confidence. Find more on how we can help in a free consultation today.
Rape In The First Degree
In Ohio, a person is guilty of rape in the first degree if he or she engages in sexual conduct (vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse) with another person under any of the following circumstances:
- The offender administers a drug, intoxicant, or controlled substance to the alleged victim, by force, the threat of force, or deception in order to impair their judgment.
- The other person is younger than 13 years old
- The victim is unable to consent because of a mental or physical condition or advanced age and the offender is aware that the other person’s ability to consent is impaired
- Any sexual conduct which occurs through force or the threat of force
The sentence for rape in the first degree varies based on the specifics of the crime. If the victim is compelled to submit through force, threats, or controlled substances, the minimum sentence is 5 years in prison. If the victim is under 10 years old – life in prison. If the offender has a previous conviction, the sentence will be life in prison.
Sexual Battery
Someone can be convicted of sexual battery if he or she engages in sexual conduct with another person (other than their spouse) when any of the following criteria apply:
- The perpetrator coerces the other person to submit by any means that would prevent resistance
- When the perpetrator knows that the victim’s ability to understand the nature of the act is impaired
- When the perpetrator knows the victim submits because the victim is unaware that the act is being committed
- When the victim submits because he or she mistakenly thinks the perpetrator is their spouse
- When the perpetrator is the victim’s natural or adoptive parent or guardian
- The victim is in custody of law enforcement or a patient in a hospital or other institution, and the perpetrator has supervisory or disciplinary authority over the victim
- The perpetrator is a teacher, administrator, coach, or other authority figure employed by a school and the victim is enrolled at that school
- The victim is a minor and the perpetrator is the victim’s coach, instructor, or the leader of a scouting troop
- The perpetrator is a mental health professional and the victim is one of their clients or patients
- The victim is confined to a detention facility and the perpetrator is an employee of that detention facility
- The victim is a minor and the perpetrator is a religious clergy member
- The victim is a minor and the perpetrator is a peace officer at least two years older than the victim
In most sexual offenses, sexual battery is a third-degree felony punishable by 1-5 years in prison. If the victim is younger than 13, the charge will be in the second degree and punishable by 2-8 years in prison
Unlawful Sexual Conduct With A Minor: Get Help From Our Child Sexual Abuse Law Firm
Anyone 18 years of age or older who engages in sexual conduct with another person between 13-15 years old is guilty of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. This crime can be charged in one of four degrees:
- Fourth-degree felony – Unlawful sexual conduct as described above, punishable by 6-18 months in prison.
- Third-degree felony – When the offender knows the victim is 13-15 years old (or is reckless in determining the victim’s age) and the offender is at least ten years older than the victim. Punishable by 1-5 years in prison
- Second-degree felony – When the offender has a previous conviction for rape, sexual battery, or unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. Punishable by 2-8 years in prison.
- First-degree misdemeanor – When the offender is less than four years older than the victim. Punishable by up to 6 months in prison.
At Abuse Guardian, our Ohio child sexual assault lawyers are dedicated to fighting for the rights of child sexual assault survivors in Columbus and the surrounding suburbs. We understand the devastating impact that child sexual assault can have on a victim and their loved ones, and we are committed to providing compassionate and knowledgeable legal representation to help them seek justice and healing. If you or a loved one has experienced child sexual assault in Ohio, we urge you to contact our firm as soon as possible for a confidential consultation. Our team is here to support you and fight for the justice you deserve.
Sexual Imposition
Sexual imposition is a crime which involves unwanted sexual contact, rather than sexual intercourse. a person is guilty of alleged sexual imposition if he or she has sexual contact with another person or causes two or more other people to have sexual contact under any of the following circumstances:
- The perpetrator knows the sexual contact is offensive to the victim or is reckless in determining consent
- The perpetrator knows that the victim’s ability to understand the nature of the act or control the perpetrator conduct is significantly impaired
- The perpetrator knows that the victim submits because he or she is unaware of the sexual contact
- The victim is 13-15 years old and the perpetrator is at least 18 years old and four or more years older than the victim
- The perpetrator is a mental health professional, the victim is one of their patients or clients, and the perpetrator causes the victim to submit by falsely claiming that the sexual contact is necessary for mental health treatment.
For first-time offenders, sexual imposition is punishable by up to 60 days in prison. If the defendant has a previous conviction for rape, sexual battery, unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, or gross sexual imposition, the sentence will be a maximum of 6 months in prison.
Gross Sexual Imposition
A person is guilty of the more serious charge of gross sexual imposition if he or she has sexual contact with another person, causes that person to have sexual contact with an offender, or causes two or more people to have sexual contact when any of the following applies:
- The perpetrator compels the victim to submit by force or the threat of force
- The perpetrator impairs the judgment of the victim by administering a drug or intoxicant without their consent
- The perpetrator knows the victim’s ability to consent is impaired because they’re under the influence of a drug administered during a medical or dental examination, treatment or surgery
- The victim is younger than 13 years old
- The victim’s ability to consent is impaired because of a mental or physical health condition or advanced age, and the perpetrator is aware of this impairment
- Any sexual touching of another person’s genitals when the victim is younger than 12 and the perpetrator intends to abuse, humiliate, harass, degrade, or arouse or gratify the sexual desires of any person
- The perpetrator has or causes someone else to have sexual contact with a victim who is under 13 years old
- The perpetrator has or causes someone else to have sexual contact with a victim who’s judgment or control has been impaired because of a controlled substance administered without their consent
In the first five examples, the charge will be a fourth-degree felony punishable by 6-18 months in prison. If any of the final three bullet points apply, the charge will be a third-degree felony punishable by 1-5 years in prison.
Long-Term Effects On Survivors Of Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse and assault are serious crimes that can have long-term and devastating effects on survivors. The physical and emotional trauma of sexual abuse can cause a lasting impact on an individual's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Survivors of sexual abuse can also experience a range of negative emotions, such as fear, anxiety, shame, and depression. They may also struggle with issues related to trust, self-worth, and relationships.
At Abuse Guardian, our sexual assault lawyers are dedicated to helping survivors of sexual abuse and assault navigate the legal system and seek justice and compensation for the harm they have suffered. If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse or assault, we urge you to contact our firm for a confidential consultation. Our team is here to support you and fight for the justice you deserve.
Free Consultations For Victims Of Sexual Abuse & Sexual Assault
If you or someone you love has been a victim of sexual assault in Ohio, it is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. At Abuse Guardian, our experienced Ohio criminal defense attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Our criminal defense lawyers in Columbus serves the surrounding suburbs and is dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered from sexual abuse get the justice and compensation they deserve. We understand the sensitive nature of sexual assault cases and strive to provide a safe and supportive environment for our clients.
Contact Our Sex Crimes Lawyers In Ohio Today
Our team of attorneys has a thorough understanding of Ohio sexual assault laws and will work tirelessly to build a strong criminal case on your behalf. We will carefully review the details of your sex crime case and gather all necessary evidence to build a strong legal argument. We will also work closely with you to ensure that you are informed and involved in every step of the legal process.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of sexual assault in Ohio, we urge you to contact one of our attorneys as soon as possible. Our team is here to support you and fight for the justice you deserve. If you want to learn more about filing a sexual abuse lawsuit, reach out to us for a confidential consultation.
