While all sex-oriented criminal offenses are serious, prosecutors are known for aggressively pushing for convictions on unlawful sexual conduct with a minor in Athens. This charge can lead to lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines, among other consequences.
Facing arrest for this offense can feel helpless, especially given the stigma that comes with it. You are entitled to a defense no matter how serious the allegations against you are, and the right legal counsel can answer your questions and advocate on your behalf. As a dedicated child abuse defense attorney, let me review the charges against you and advise on your options.
What Qualifies as Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor?
Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor is a criminal offense defined by Ohio Revised Code § 2907.04. The statute makes it illegal for someone aged 18 or over to engage in sexual conduct with a minor between 13 and 16 years of age. Notably, a crime has not been committed in cases where the two parties are married to each other.
There is also an exception for anyone who is unaware of the alleged victim’s age, so long as they are not reckless in regard to their age. An example of recklessness would be ignoring obvious signs that suggest that a person is young, like being a freshman in high school or unable to drive. This exception provides the defense with an opportunity to fight a conviction for unlawful sexual conduct with an Athens minor.
What are the Consequences of a Conviction?
An Athens resident found guilty of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor faces a varying range of consequences depending on the facts of the case. For example, the maximum sentence is higher when there is a large age gap between the two parties. On the low end of that gap, a conviction can lead to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. The highest possible sentence is six years in prison.
Jail time and fines are not the only penalties associated with this offense. A conviction means mandatory registration as a sex offender, sometimes for life. The damage to the defendant’s reputation can also make it impossible to secure decent housing or employment options, which is why you need someone with many years of experience to represent you in court.
Common Strategies for the Defense
Each case is unique, which means the strategy in one prosecution might be very different than the next. Identifying the right approach is one of the most important things a criminal defense attorney can do in these situations.
Unlike most other sex offenses, consent is not a viable defense strategy when it comes to a minor, but there are other ways to fight back, however. A key aspect of this crime is that the accused must have either known the other person was underage or was reckless in ignoring the signs. Someone who made an honest mistake—particularly if the other party lied about their age—could have a viable defense. Other options include a lack of evidence or the violation of their constitutional rights by police.
Talk to a Lawyer in Athens About Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor
I am a well-established as a defense attorneys for those accused of sex-based crimes. If you have been charged with unlawful sexual conduct with a minor in Athens, waiting to seek help from experienced legal counsel will only work against you. The state will not hesitate to use its resources against you, making it critical that you contact me as soon as possible so I can aggressively fight for your rights.
