When a person is convicted of a crime, they face a range of potential consequences, including jail time and fines. With some offenses, there are other penalties that can arise outside of the prospect of prison. One of those is mandatory sex offender registration for sex-based offenses.
If you have been accused of a sexually-oriented offense, this registry could cause hardships that last long after you have served your prison term and paid your fines. To avoid having to take part in sex offender registration in Athens, schedule a consultation with me to be your criminal defense attorney.
Tiers of Sex Offenders Under Ohio Law
According to Ohio law, there are three tiers of sex offenders based on the severity of the underlying charge. While all three include serious offenses, Tier Three includes the crimes with the steepest penalties, including rape. Here is a table that explains the sex offender tiers and the charges that correspond to each tier.
Tier One
While these crimes are less serious than those in Tiers 2 and 3, they can still lead to lengthy prison terms. Crimes that can place you on this tier include sexual imposition, unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, pandering obscenity, and importuning.
Tier Two
A Tier Two sex offender might not face a lifetime of mandatory registration, but the potential charges are still serious. The crimes in this tier include compelling prostitution, gross sexual imposition with a victim under the age of 13, and kidnapping with sexual motivation.
Tier Three
The most serious criminal offenses are reserved for Tier Three, with the potential for lengthy prison sentences and costly monetary fines. These crimes include rape, sexual battery, murder with sexual motivation, and kidnapping of a minor.
Limitations on Registered Sex Offenders
Being placed on the sex offender registration in Athens is about more than having your name placed on a website. Registered sex offenders also face geographic limitations on where they can live. For example, their home cannot be within 1,000 feet of a school or daycare in most situations. Violating this rule can lead to additional criminal charges.
Call My Officer and Learn More About Sex Offense Registration in Athens
Being forced into sex offender registration can alter your life forever, but it is only one of the consequences of a criminal conviction. Thankfully, you have the right to fight these charges. If you are successful, you can protect your reputation, stay out of prison, and avoid mandatory registration requirements. To discuss your legal options, reach out to my office right away for a confidential consultation. I have a strong track record of getting charges dismissed or successfully adjudicated in court, and could defend you in the face of these serious allegations.
