If you are facing charges for an alleged sex crime involving a child, you need to reach out to a Pomeroy child sexual abuse defense lawyer as soon as possible. As your sex-based crimes defense lawyer, I can provide crucial legal assistance if you are facing criminal charges.
This includes building a strong case on your behalf, protecting your rights, and potentially negotiating a plea deal or representing you in court. I can investigate the case, analyze evidence, and develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific situation.
Sexual assault of a child is a terrible thing but I am also well aware that many people can be accused of this crime under false pretenses. A person (usually a man) who spends a lot of time with a child can be a prime target for mistaken or outright false accusations. It is crucial that every angle of the case be investigated to find evidence of your innocence. I will do exactly that.
If the person making the accusation is the child, there are many ways to pick apart their claim, as younger children may not know what they are saying, or have been influenced or coached by an adult. The child’s memory may have even been shaped by someone’s questioning. If this has happened, the jury needs to know, as it throws the whole case into question. People in Pomeroy accused of sexual assault of a child should contact me for effective representation that looks out for your best interests during this devastating time.
Ohio laws define various crimes involving sexual activity, which can range from misdemeanors to felonies, with varying penalties depending on the specific offense and circumstances. If you are facing charges related to child sexual abuse in Pomeroy, now is the time to safeguard your rights and speak with an experienced attorney.
Ohio Revised Code § 2709.04 defines unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, often called statutory rape. This is one of the most commonly charged offenses involving minors and typically involves an adult aged 18 or older having sexual contact with a minor between 13 and 15 years old.
Another child sexual abuse crime is importuning, a criminal offense defined in Ohio Rev. Code § 2907.07. Importuning involves soliciting a minor under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity, regardless of whether the offender is aware of the minor’s age. It also includes soliciting sexual activity with someone between the ages of 13 and 15, if the offender is 18 years or older and at least four years older than the minor.
The law explicitly includes solicitation through telecommunications devices, such as text messages, emails, or online chat rooms. Other commonly charged sexual abuse crimes include sexual battery and gross sexual imposition. In all these cases, I can work with you to find the best defense possible.
The general age of consent in Ohio is 16, although sexual activity with a minor can still be criminal even with verbal consent. Ohio has a “Romeo and Juliet” provision that may reduce penalties in cases where both individuals are close in age. Penalties vary based on the specific offense, the alleged victim’s age, and the age difference between the involved parties, and convictions often result in mandatory sex offender registration. As a Pomeroy child sex abuse defense lawyer, I can explain the nature of the charges and potential penalties in your case.
For example, importuning is a felony offense typically charged as a third-degree felony, potentially resulting in one to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000. If the offender has prior sex crime or child-victim convictions, the importuning charge can be elevated, leading to harsher penalties. For instance, a violation involving a minor under 13 or soliciting via telecommunications device with prior convictions can be a second-degree felony, with mandatory prison time.
Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor can be either a misdemeanor or a felony. The classification of the offense, and thus the potential penalties, depends on numerous factors, including the age difference between the offender and the victim. Penalties can include prison time and sex offender registration on top of financial penalties. If the alleged victim is under 13, the offense is typically classified as rape (a first-degree felony), regardless of the offender’s age.
In some cases, a viable defense is to show that the underage person misrepresented their age.
As a child sexual abuse defense lawyer for people in Pomeroy, I understand that few allegations are more detrimental to your future than those involving sexual misconduct with a minor. It is extremely important to secure a skilled criminal defense attorney to protect your rights from the earliest stages of your case, even if you have not yet been formally charged. I can ensure your rights are protected throughout the legal process, including during police questioning, arraignment, and trial.
As an attorney with a Ph.D. in criminology, I understand the science behind forensic evidence and do not simply accept forensic reports as definitive. I will meticulously analyze the prosecution’s evidence, looking for potential flaws or weaknesses that can be used to build a strong defense. Contact my firm today for your free case consultation.
Stepfather was accused of Rape and GSI by stepdaughter shortly after wife/mother filed for divorce. Despite the timing of the allegations, the Stepfather was indicted on 6 counts of Rape and 6 counts of GSI alleging sexual abuse 2 years prior. At trial, Andrew elicited over 150 “I don’t know” responses from the alleged victim during cross-examination. The phrase “I don’t know” was the ringing mantra of Andrew’s closing argument. The jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty on all charges after only 30 minutes of deliberation.
