If you have been accused of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor in Logan, you may feel like your entire future is hanging in the balance. Court hearings can arrive without much warning, investigators press for statements, and even small decisions early in the process can carry serious consequences later on. I know how overwhelming that feels, and I want you to understand that you do not have to navigate it alone. My job is to protect your rights, make sure you are treated fairly, and fight for the best possible outcome.
When I take on a case like this, I begin by carefully examining what happened, how the allegations arose, and what the evidence actually shows. I look at both the strengths and weaknesses in the prosecution’s theory and work to uncover details that may shift the perspective in your favor. I have spent years working in local courts, so I know the local judges, prosecutors, and procedures. That familiarity allows me as a local sex crimes attorney to anticipate how your case will likely be handled and build a strategy that meets both immediate and long-term concerns.
Ohio Revised Code § 2907.04 makes it a crime for anyone eighteen or older to engage in sexual conduct with a person who is at least thirteen but under sixteen. The level of the offense depends heavily on the age difference and whether there is a prior record. A smaller age gap may lead to a misdemeanor, while a larger gap—or a prior sex offense—can raise the stakes to a second-degree felony.
These distinctions matter. Prosecutors also must prove that you knew, or at least were reckless about, the other person’s age. Many cases turn on text messages, social media, or the setting in which the relationship developed. I focus closely on what was said, what was known, and whether the state can truly meet its burden of proof. Based on the evidence we can either claim the act did not happen, or that the alleged victim lied about their age and that their status as a minor would not have been obvious otherwise.
The consequences go beyond fines and prison. A conviction often triggers sex offender registration under Ohio’s tier system. Depending on the classification, that requirement may last years or even a lifetime, affecting where you can live, what jobs you can hold, and how freely you can move forward with your life. These long-term impacts are something I always discuss in detail with clients so that every decision is made with a clear understanding of what is at stake.
Cases of this kind often start in Logan Municipal Court before moving to the Hocking County Court of Common Pleas for felony proceedings. The first hearings address bond and scheduling, and important filing deadlines come quickly. I act immediately to secure phone records, social media accounts, or other digital evidence before it disappears. I also file motions to challenge how evidence was collected, whether police respected constitutional protections, and whether interviews were handled fairly.
In some circumstances, presenting character evidence, expert testimony, or treatment evaluations can change how prosecutors or judges evaluate the case. I tailor the defense to the specific facts, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. My focus is always on protecting your rights, limiting exposure to the most severe penalties, and exploring every possible resolution—from negotiation to trial.
It is not uncommon in these situations for the alleged victim to have lied about their age, either in person or over digital communication. It may be possible to use this as a potential defense, but prosecutors could also claim you should have reasonably known their age, like if they clearly do not look over 16 or if you knew they were not yet in high school.
When I handle cases of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor in Logan, I pay particular attention to:
These cases are extremely sensitive, and while it is understandable that prosecutors and other observers will want justice, it is simultaneously true that the accused needs to be treated fairly and have strong representation as well.
If you are facing this type of charge, the situation may feel like there is no pathway out, but you are not powerless. I can review the evidence, explain your legal options, and outline a defense that fits your circumstances.
For anyone accused of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor in Logan, reaching out to Andrew H. Stevenson Attorney at Law is an important step toward protecting your rights. Contact my office today to arrange a confidential case review and begin building a defense strategy.
Stepfather was accused of Rape and GSI by stepdaughter shortly after wife/mother filed for divorce. Despite the timing of the allegations, the Stepfather was indicted on 6 counts of Rape and 6 counts of GSI alleging sexual abuse 2 years prior. At trial, Andrew elicited over 150 “I don’t know” responses from the alleged victim during cross-examination. The phrase “I don’t know” was the ringing mantra of Andrew’s closing argument. The jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty on all charges after only 30 minutes of deliberation.
