Any sex-related offense is a serious matter, but prosecutors are known for aggressively pursuing convictions in cases involving minors. If you are convicted, you could face a lengthy prison sentence in addition to being required to register as a sex offender.
Despite everyone’s desire to hold someone accountable in these types of cases, there are options for fighting back against these charges with the help of a dedicated sex crime defense attorney like me. With the right approach, you could avoid a conviction and reduce the consequences of an arrest for unlawful sexual conduct with a minor in Lancaster.
When it comes to charges of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, the specifics of the offense are defined by Ohio Revised Code § 2907.04. It is illegal for an adult over the age of 18 to engage in sexual contact of any kind with a minor between the ages of 13 and 16. Other criminal offenses apply when the alleged victim is below the age of 13: Rape and Gross Sexual Imposition.
It is worth noting that some exceptions apply. For example, this type of sexual contact is not a crime when the parties are legally married. The same is true when the older party is not aware (or could not have reasonably been aware) ) of the younger party’s age. However, there are limits on when this claim will be successful.
During my time defending against allegations of unlawful sexual contact with a minor, I have been successful in fighting false accusations and shielding innocent people in Lancaster who had no idea the other party was underage or who had no involvement at all. Let me serve as your advocate during this crucial time in your life.
Like with any criminal offense, you face the risk of incarceration if you are found guilty of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. In addition to the risk of prison time, you could also be responsible for fines and court costs.
There are other consequences to be aware of after a conviction for unlawful sexual conduct with a Lancaster minor. You will be be required to register as a sex offender—potentially for life. Having a conviction on your record can also make it difficult to find employment or secure housing. Because of the nature of the offense, you might have the conviction used against you in child custody proceedings. Given the high stakes, you absolutely need to have legal counsel, even if you believe their evidence is flimsy.
One of the things I tell clients is that every case has its own unique set of facts. That means the defense strategy that works in one situation might not be the right fit in another.
Often, these cases involve an alleged victim who was untruthful about their age, whether verbally or over texts or the internet. It’s more common than you might think. It is important to remember that this can serve as a viable defense in some cases, even when the reporting witness is younger than 16. However, the defense will fail if the state can show that you recklessly disregarded signs of their age. This might include being aware that the person in question was a freshman in high school, for example.
You also have the opportunity to simply refute that the unlawful sexual contact with a Lancaster minor occurred at all. Whether it is a matter of false accusations or mistaken identity, the state might not have enough evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed this offense. Sadly, some adults try to influence a child’s testimony, sometimes getting them to make an accusation that they do not believe – I can dig further into the case to determine if this is happening.
If you have been accused of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor in Lancaster, OH, having the support of strong legal counsel is crucial. During my long career, I have fought on behalf of clients facing these serious charges and helped them get the best possible outcome in their case. Reach out to my criminal defense law firm immediately to learn how I could put my skill and experience to use for you.