As an experienced Athens child sexual abuse defense lawyer, I know how often these charges are brought on little or no evidence. You need someone like me to properly communicate your side of the story.
Under our system, a charge is no more than an accusation. Everyone deserves a vigorous defense and prosecutors must prove every element of a charge before someone can be labeled a criminal. As an Athens child sexual abuse defense lawyer with decades of criminal defense experience, particularly in sex crime defense, I have the knowledge and skills to defeat the charges.
Charges related to child abuse can result from numerous scenarios. Sometimes arrests result from assumptions made regarding an accused’s activity online. Complaints by a student or their parents against a teacher, coach, or clergy are common and may not necessarily be based on facts.
People charged with child sexual abuse are often astounded to learn that the allegations come from within their own family. Irresponsible parents involved in custody disputes could encourage their children to report that the co-parent touched them inappropriately, or exposed them to sexual activity or material. Stepchildren might make allegations against their parent’s partner, and children will sometimes accuse a parent, sibling, grandparent, or other relative of sexual abuse.
Whatever the source of the allegations, sex abuse charges may be brought on flimsy evidence. Prosecutors tend to believe the child. When I defend child sex abuse charges in Athens, I might consult with psychologists, use a private detective, and take any other steps necessary to demonstrate that the charges are unfounded.
Ohio Revised Code § 2907.04 describes the crime of sexual contact with a minor. The law bars sexual conduct because adults over 18 who either know the other person is between the ages of 13 and 16 or recklessly fail to find out their age. Ohio Revised Code § 2907.01 defines sexual conduct as any act that causes even the slightest penetration of the vagina or anus, and oral contact with the genitalia.
Sexual battery, Ohio Revised Code § 2907.03, may be charged when an adult has sexual contact with a minor and has a familial or custodial relationship with them. This crime applies to sexual conduct with anyone under 18. People in positions of trust and authority, like teachers, coaches, police officers, and members of the clergy, also may be charged with this crime.
Charges relating to the sexual abuse of a child are felonies. A conviction on these charges can lead to life-altering consequences including time in prison and mandatory registration as a sex offender. When defending child sex crime charges in Athens, I vigorously pursue a result that will have a minimal long-term impact, allowing you to resume your life and regain your reputation as quickly as possible.
Many child sex abuse accusations are fabrications—sometimes intentional, sometimes resulting from a mistake or suggestion. With diligence and exhaustive effort, I can often show that there is no evidence of abuse. Sometimes I can also show that a child was coerced or manipulated into making the accusation.
I tailor each defense to the specifics of the alleged crime but always conduct an extensive investigation of both the accuser and the accused. As an attorney with particular experience in forensic evidence, I work tirelessly to discredit the prosecutor’s evidence of child sexual abuse and present conflicting evidence that points toward innocence.
The best possible result is a dismissal of the charges, but when dismissal is not possible, an acquittal by a jury is the next best outcome. Sometimes, in consultation with you, we decide it makes sense to negotiate a resolution. In that case, I will fight for the best deal possible with the least severe long-term consequences.
Being charged with a crime involving child sex abuse can be devastating. A conviction could change your life forever. Your situation may feel overwhelming but with the right attorney, you can move through the ordeal with confidence that everything that we are fighting for you at every turn.
Contact my office when you need an Athens child sexual abuse defense lawyer. I will commit to devoting my knowledge and skill to achieving the most favorable outcome possible.