Pickerington Child Sexual Abuse Defense Lawyer

If you are facing child sexual abuse charges in Ohio, it is crucial to act swiftly and strategically. Do not talk to anyone about the accusation, including law enforcement officials, friends, family members, without first consulting with your sex crime defense lawyer.

As an experienced Pickerington child sexual abuse defense lawyer, I have a proven track record of handling cases involve serious sex charges in Ohio. I will thoroughly investigate the accusation, identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, challenge evidence, and explore all available defense strategies to maximize the potential for the best possible outcome.

I know this is a delicate situation all around, and a defense attorney must treat it with care. There may be situations where a child is influenced into saying something that may not be accurate. We can analyze your case and look for openings to cast doubt in the prosecution’s version of events.

Child Sexual Abuse Charges Explained

Ohio Revised Code contains various laws addressing child sexual abuse, encompassing different types of offenses and penalties. The age of consent in Ohio is 16 years. Individuals aged 15 and below are not considered legally able to consent to sexual activity.

The law broadly defines child molestation or child sexual abuse as the commission of certain sex crimes against a child under 18 years old or against an individual with a developmental disability or physical impairment under 21 years old. Commonly charged child sexual abuse offenses include the following:

• Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor (Ohio Revised Code § 2907.04): This prohibits individuals 18 years or older from engaging in sexual conduct with a person they know (or are reckless in determining) is between 13 and 16 years old. Penalties vary based on age difference and prior convictions, ranging from a first-degree misdemeanor to a second-degree felony.
• Gross Sexual Imposition (Ohio Rev. Code § 2907.05): This involves compelling or coercing someone into sexual contact. When a minor is involved, it can be a third or fourth-degree felony, with sentences ranging from six months to 5 years.
• Statutory Rape (Ohio Rev. Code § 2907.02): This includes engaging in sexual conduct with a person less than 13 years old, regardless of the offender’s knowledge of the victim’s age. Rape is a first-degree felony.
• Sexual Battery (Ohio Rev. Code § 2907.03): This offense can become a felony of the second or third degree, depending on the age of the victim and other circumstances, when the victim is a minor.
• Commercial Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (Ohio Rev. Code § 2907.19): Prohibits knowingly obtaining advertising space for sexual activity for hire that includes a depiction of a minor. This is a third-degree felony.

Exercising your right to remain silent is crucial to prevent self-incrimination and ensure you do not inadvertently jeopardize your defense. As your Pickerington attorney, I will provide essential guidance during your child sexual abuse case, help you understand your rights, and navigate the complex defense legal process.

What Are the Legal Penalties for Child Sexual Abuse?

Child sex abuse crimes are often felonies, ranging from first-degree felonies to third or fourth-degree felonies. Prison sentences vary greatly depending on the severity of the offense, the age of the victim, and other factors. Some offenses may carry mandatory minimum sentences or even life imprisonment. Convictions also typically involve substantial fines, with amounts varying based on the felony degree.

For example, a first-degree felony can be punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000. Individuals convicted of these offenses often face mandatory sex offender registration requirements. This typically involves registering with the sheriff of the county where the conviction occurred and continuing to register in any county where they live, work, or attend school after completing their prison sentence.

Defending Against Harsh Penalties

As a Pickerington attorney experienced in defending child sex abuse charges, I will leave no path unpursued to fight for your rights, freedom, and future. Individuals accused of child sex abuse have a right to staunch legal representation and may pursue various defenses, such as false testimony or a case of mistaken identity.

If the accuser’s memory of the alleged incident is inaccurate or if they misidentified the alleged perpetrator, this can be a strong defense. Presenting an alibi, supported by witnesses or other evidence, can prove that you were elsewhere at the time of the alleged incident. I can also determine whether there is evidence that the accuser has previously made false allegations of sexual misconduct, which can significantly undermine their credibility.

However, when it comes to underage accusers, one of the most prominent defenses is that the person lied about their age, claiming they were over 18. If we have evidence of this lie, or of a fake ID, it can go a long way towards reducing or preventing the penalties.

Get Help from a Pickerington Child Sexual Abuse Defense Attorney

You should gather any evidence that could support your defense, such as texts, emails, social media posts, photos, or a written record of events and interactions. Do not contact the accuser, as this could be misinterpreted and used against you.

My background in criminology and experience in fighting sex-based charges as a Pickerington child sexual abuse defense lawyer have given me a strong understanding of various techniques used in criminal cases. I have extensive experience in defending clients against charges involving forensic evidence like DNA and other scientific techniques. Contact my criminal defense firm today to request your free and confidential case evaluation.