If you have recently been charged with sexual assault in the state of Ohio, you are probably feeling quite worried about your future right now. After all, if you are convicted of such an offense, you could potentially spend several years in state prison.
So, what can you do to make it more difficult for the state to convict you of sexual assault? The experienced Cincinnati Sex crimes lawyers at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers can help. Contact our law firm at (513) 333-0014 and start working on your defense
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How Our Experienced Attorneys Can Help You Fight Back Against Your Sexual Assault Charge
The Cincinnati criminal lawyers here are dedicated to providing our clients with a vigorous defense. When you ask us to help you with your sexual assault case, we will:
Search for Exculpatory Evidence
From the moment that you are placed under arrest, the state begins compiling evidence that they believe will prove that you are guilty. Often, the best way to counteract their efforts is to find evidence that shows that you could not have committed the crime.
Having worked in the legal field for years, our attorneys know exactly where to look to find exculpatory evidence. When you hire us, we will work night and day to try to find you the proof you need to help your case.
Negotiate with the Prosecuting Attorney
If the prosecuting attorney offers you a plea bargain agreement, they will most likely tell you that it is non-negotiable. In reality, this is rarely the case. Almost all plea bargain deals have at least a little room for maneuver.
The lawyers here at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, have been negotiating with state prosecutors for years. When you work with us, we will use all of our experience to try to land you a favorable plea bargain deal.
Represent You in Court
If the prosecutor is unwilling to agree to a fair plea bargain deal, your sexual assault case will most likely end up going to trial. Since the events that occur in that courtroom will determine your long-term future, you would be wise to have an experienced attorney by your side throughout the process.
When you hire our legal team, experience is exactly what you will get. Over the years, we have represented countless clients in criminal courts throughout Ohio. With our team on your side, you can be confident that you will receive a fair hearing in court.
If the state of Ohio is accusing you of sexual violence against an intimate partner or family member, please reach out to the attorneys here at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, as soon as possible. We would love to meet with you to learn more about your case and provide you with more details about how we can help.
Understanding Ohio’s Sexual Assault Laws
In most jurisdictions in the United States, the term “sexual assault” can broadly be defined as the act of engaging in sexual contact with another person without their consent. The state of Ohio has a wide range of offenses on its books that outlaw this type of activity. The state’s most commonly charged forms of sexual assault include:
Sexual Battery
Section 2907.03 of the Ohio Revised Code states that it is unlawful for an individual to engage in sexual conduct with another person who is not their spouse under any of the following circumstances:
- The offender knowingly coerces the other person to submit by any means that would preclude resistance.
- The offender is aware that the other person’s ability to control their conduct is substantially impaired.
- The offender is aware that the other person is submitting because they are unaware that the sexual act is being committed.
- The offender is aware that the other person is submitting because they believe that the offender is their spouse.
- The offender is the other person’s parent, stepparent, guardian, or custodian.
- The other person is a prisoner or hospital patient and the offender has supervisory or disciplinary authority over them.
- The offender is a teacher or administrator, and the other person attends their educational institution.
- The offender is the other person’s coach or instructor.
- The offender is a cleric and the other person is a minor that is a part of their congregation.
- The offender is a peace officer and the other person is more than two years younger than them.
Individuals who violate this law may be charged with sexual battery. In Ohio, offenses of this nature are usually classified as felonies of the third degree. However, they may be bumped up to second-degree felonies in certain situations.
Rape
Section 2907.02 of the Ohio Revised Code makes it illegal for an individual to engage in sexual conduct with another person who is not their spouse or who is their spouse but is living in another separately from them when any of the following conditions apply:
- The offender surreptitiously, forcefully, or deceptively administers a drug, intoxicant, or controlled substance to substantially impair the other person’s judgment.
- The other person is younger than 13 years of age, regardless of whether the offender is aware of that fact.
- The other person’s ability to consent or resist is substantially impaired because of a physical condition, a mental condition, or advanced age, and the offender has reasonable cause to believe that this is the case.
Section 2907.02 of the Ohio Revised Code also states that it is unlawful for an individual to compel another person to engage in sexual conduct using force or the threat of force.
People who violate this statute may be arrested and charged with rape. This type of sexual assault is typically punishable as a felony of the first degree in the state of Ohio.
Child Sexual Abuse
Section 2305.111 of the Ohio Revised Code states that it is unlawful for an adult to engage in unwanted sexual acts with a child that is not yet 18 years of age under any of the following circumstances:
- The offender is the victim’s natural parent, adoptive parent, stepparent, guardian, or custodian.
- The victim is a prisoner or hospital patient and the offender has supervisory authority over them.
- The offender is a teacher or administrator, and the victim attends their school.
- The offender is the victim’s coach or instructor.
- The offender is a cleric and the victim is a minor that attends their church.
Under Ohio state law, offenses of this nature are usually classified as felonies of the first, second, or third degree.
Have you been accused of engaging in unlawful sexual activities in the state of Ohio? If so, the attorneys here at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, in Cincinnati may be able to help you get your criminal charge dismissed or reduced. To set up a free consultation with a member of our legal team, all you need to do is give us a call or send us a message online.
Consequences of a Sexual Assault Conviction in Ohio
The state of Ohio penalizes crimes such as rape and sexual battery extremely severely. People who are found guilty of such offenses are generally punished in two main ways:
Prison Sentences and Fines
Individuals who are convicted of committing sexual violence against women, men, or children in the state of Ohio are typically penalized in accordance with the following sentencing guidelines:
- Felonies of the Third Degree: Up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Felonies of the Second Degree: Up to 8 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
- Felonies of the First Degree: Up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000.
Typically, individuals who have never been convicted of a crime before receive sentences that are quite a bit lower than the maximums outlined above. However, the state generally doles out much harsher sentences to repeat offenders.
Mandatory Sex Offender Registration
People who are found guilty of sexual assault offenses in the state of Ohio don’t just have to spend time in prison and pay a fine. In most cases, they are also required to register as a sex offender. The length of time that they are required to register for depends on the registration tier that they are placed into:
- Tier I: Offenders must register with the sheriff’s office once per year for 15 years.
- Tier II: Offenders must register with the sheriff’s office once every 180 days for 25 years.
- Tier III: Offenders must register with the sheriff’s office once every 90 days for the rest of their life.
To stay on the right side of the law, registered sex offenders in the state of Ohio generally have to adhere to terms like:
- Restrictions on housing locations
- Restrictions on employment opportunities
- Restrictions on internet usage
- Restrictions on alcohol intake
- Mandatory notification requirements
Are you worried about the penalties you may face if you are convicted of a sexual assault offense? Contact the Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, legal team in Cincinnati today. We are ready, willing, and able to help you fight back against your charge.
Call A Cincinnati Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer Today
When the people of Cincinnati need an experienced lawyer to represent them throughout their sexual assault case, they know that there is only one law firm they need to turn to – Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers. Our team has the knowledge and skill needed to handle just about any case. To take the first step toward having us help you with your case, just give us a call at (513) 333-0014 or contact us online.
