Cleveland Sex Crimes Lawyer

Fighting Sex Offense Allegations in Ohio

A sex crime conviction carries incredibly painful penalties, including incarceration and/or fines. Additionally, if you are found guilty, you may be required to register as a sex offender, which can profoundly impact your life. Even a sex crime accusation alone has the potential to hurt you. You could face a ruined reputation, job loss, eviction from your home, or strained relationships with family and friends.

At Patituce & Associates, LLC, our Cleveland sex crimes attorneys know how important it is to seek an optimal result in these types of cases. That is why we will leverage our knowledge, skills, and experience to defend you.

Our Cleveland sex crime lawyers are ready to help. Schedule a confidential consultation by calling us at (440) 471-7784 or contacting us online today.

Common Types of Ohio Sex Crimes

Chapter 2907 of the Ohio Revised Code contains various statutes concerning prohibited sexual conduct.

Sex crimes in OH that our Cleveland sex crime lawyers defend include:

• 2907.02 - Rape
• 2907.03 - Sexual battery
• 2907.04 - Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor
• 2907.05 - Gross sexual imposition
• 2907.06 - Sexual imposition
• 2907.07 - Importuning
• 2907.08 - Voyeurism
• 2907.09 - Public indecency
• 2907.19 - Commercial sexual exploitation of a minor
• 2907.21 - Compelling prostitution
• 2907.22 - Promoting prostitution
• 2907.23 - Enticement or solicitation to patronize a prostitute; procurement of a prostitute for another
• 2907.28 - Payment for medical examination and test of any victim or accused
• 2907.31 - Disseminating matter harmful to juveniles
• 2907.311 - Displaying matter harmful to juveniles
• 2907.32 - Pandering obscenity
• 2907.321 - Pandering obscenity to a minor
• 2907.322 - Pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor
• 2907.323 - Illegal use of minor in nudity-oriented material or performance
• 2907.33 - Deception to obtain matter harmful to juveniles
• 2907.34 - Compelling acceptance of objectionable materials
• 2907.38 - Permitting unlawful operation of viewing booths depicting sexual conduct
• 2907.39 - Permitting juvenile on premises of adult entertainment establishment; use of false information to gain entry
• 2907.40 - Illegally operating a sexually oriented business

At Patituce & Associates, LLC, we know that being accused of any sex offense can be overwhelming. That is why our sex crimes lawyers in Cleveland are here to skillfully guide you through your case. We’ll be your champion and aggressive defender.

Ohio Sex Crimes Penalties

In Ohio, sex offenses can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the nature of the offense. A conviction may result in a jail or prison sentence and fines.

The following are the level and degrees of charges and potential penalties for sex crimes:

Fourth-degree misdemeanor:

• Up to 30 days in jail and/or
• Up to $250 in fines
• Fourth-degree misdemeanor sex crimes include, but are not limited to:
  • Public indecency involving exposure of private parts

Third-degree misdemeanor:

• Up to 60 days in jail and/or
• Up to $500 in fines
• Third-degree misdemeanor sex crimes include, but are not limited to:
  • Sexual imposition
  • Voyeurism
  • Public indecency involving sexual conduct or masturbation

Second-degree misdemeanor:

• Up to 90 days in jail and/or
• Up to $750 in fines
• Second-degree misdemeanor sex crimes include, but are not limited to:
  • Voyeurism involving the recording of a nude person
  • Public indecency involving masturbation or sexual conduct in front of a minor

First-degree misdemeanor:

• Up to 180 days in jail and/or
• Up to $1,000 in fines
• First-degree misdemeanor sex crimes include, but are not limited to:
  • Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor (when the alleged offender is less than four years older than the victim)
  • Voyeurism involving recording under or through clothing
  • Public indecency involving exposure of private parts to coerce a child to engage in sexual conduct

Fifth-degree felony:

• Up to 12 months in prison and/or
• Up to $2,500 in fines
• Fifth-degree felony sex crimes include, but are not limited to:
  • Voyeurism involving a minor

Fourth-degree felony:

• Up to 18 months in prison and/or
• Up to $5,000 in fines
• Fourth-degree felony sex crimes include, but are not limited to:
  • Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor
  • Gross sexual imposition
  • Promoting prostitution

Third-degree felony:

• Up to 36 months in prison and/or
• Up to $10,000 in fines
• Third-degree felony sex crimes include, but are not limited to:
  • Sexual battery
  • Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor (when the alleged offender is more than 10 years older than the victim)
  • Importuning
  • Commercial exploitation of a minor
  • Compelling prostitution

Second-degree felony:

• Up to 12 years in prison and/or
• Up to $15,000 in fines
• Second-degree felony sex crimes include, but are not limited to:
  • Sexual battery against a person under 13 years of age
  • Compelling prostitution of a minor between 16 and 17 years of age

First-degree felony:

• Up to 16.5 years in prison and/or
• Up to $20,000 in fines
• First-degree felony sex crimes include, but are not limited to:
  • Rape
  • Compelling prostitution of a minor under 16 years of age

Work with a knowledgeable Cleveland sex crimes attorney to defend against your charge and seek a favorable outcome in your case.

Charges for Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor in Ohio

Ohio law prohibits any person 18 years of age or older from engaging in sexual conduct with a minor between 13 and 15 years of age. It is a defense that the individuals were married at the time of the offense.

Sexual conduct is defined as:

• Vaginal intercourse
• Anal intercourse
• Oral sex
• Insertion of any body part or instrument into the vagina or anus of another

Depending on the alleged offender’s and victim's ages, unlawful sexual conduct with a minor can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony.

As ex-prosecutors, we are acutely aware of the life-altering ramifications of a conviction for having sex with a minor. With over 200 jury trials and a success rate of 95%, we know how to develop defenses put your case in the best possible position. Our sex crimes attorneys in Cleveland employ a combined approach, which can help as we seek to minimize your life-long reporting requirements and the short-term consequences.

Sex Offender Registry in Cleveland, Ohio

At the beginning of your case, your attention may, understandably, be focused on the nature of the allegations and the potential term of incarceration you are facing. However, it is also important to recognize that a conviction, even for a misdemeanor, can have long-term consequences, as you may be required to register as a sex offender in Ohio. This reporting requirement means you would have to provide the local sheriff with your personal identifying information for a certain length of time.

• What Happens When You Fail to Register as a Sex Offender?
• Do I Need to Register as a Sex Offender for Life?

In Ohio, sex offender reporting requirements are determined by the category a convicted person is placed into.

Referred to as tiers, the categories govern the frequency and duration of your registration requirement:

• Tier I: Requires registration with local law enforcement for 15 years once a year. After 10 years, the offender can petition to be removed.
• Tier II: Requires registration with local law enforcement every 180 days for 25 years.
• Tier III: The most severe requiring the offender to report to local law enforcement every 90 days for life.

Because an innocent mistake can lead to long-term implications, it’s crucial that you consult with a sex crimes attorney in Cleveland who knows how to fight sex crimes charges.

The Importance of Working with an Experienced (& Honest!) Lawyer

Recently, we had a conversation with a mother and daughter that reminded us of the importance of attorneys providing honest and straightforward communication with potential clients. The daughter called us shocked, scared, and overwhelmed because her father had just been arrested in a suburb in Cleveland by (what seemed like) half of the county’s police force.

The first attorney the mother and daughter spoke to promised everything but was sparse on facts. He said that he could get an acquittal in one of the most complex cases to defend: a sex crime against a child. Depending on the situation, these cases are winnable and defensible, but an attorney must have experience handling them. When they pressed for his résumé or experience, the mother and daughter quickly found that he was just a salesman with a few gimmicks.

Avoid at all costs attorneys that make promises outside of how hard they will work for you. Having a good sales pitch is always nice, but it is more important to be honest with clients.

We have seen firsthand the impact an attorney can have on a case's outcome. Hiring an experienced Cleveland sex crimes lawyer can mean the difference between incarceration or freedom.

Client accused of rape and sexual misconduct. Through our efforts client avoided being charged. Client was able to put matter behind him.
Result: No Charges!

We Believe in Three Principles

1. Some of the people who are charged with these crimes are innocent and deserving of our time, energy, and help.
2. Some of these people are guilty of committing an offense but are not guilty of what they are charged with.
3. Some people are guilty of the crime they are accused of but deserve skilled defense to fight the prosecutor (government) who seeks decades of prison time.

If you would like to see how our firm can help, contact our Cleveland sex crimes lawyers today. We can be reached at (440) 471-7784.

Do Not Speak to Police. Speak to Us First About Any Sexual Offense Charge.

Many individuals believe that if they speak to the police and explain their side of the story, they can avoid being charged with a sex crime. This is typically not the case. In our experience defending people accused of sex crimes, we have found that most people convict themselves before they are even charged. At times, it may be in your best interest to speak to the police; however, consult with a Cleveland sex crime attorney before making a formal statement. Remember, anything you say can and will be used against you.

Speaking with an attorney will help you understand what you are facing as far as criminal or civil sanctions. At Patituce & Associates, LLC, our Cleveland sex crimes lawyers ensure that our clients understand their charges, potential penalties, and possible defenses.

Criminal Defense for Sex Crimes in the Cleveland Area

We find that one of the more daunting tasks for clients charged with a sex crime is finding an attorney who:

• Is experienced enough to handle the case; and
• Makes the client comfortable with the representation.

If you have been charged with a sex crime in Ohio, hire an experienced team of Cleveland sex crimes lawyers who focus heavily on those types of cases. It is also important that you feel comfortable working with the firm you retain.

If you are serious about defending yourself from sex-related charges in Cleveland, call our team today. The call is strictly confidential. We promise that we will treat you with the respect and dignity that you deserve.

To set up a free consultation with our Cleveland sex crimes attorneys, contact us at (440) 471-7784.

Recommended Reading

• Company Holiday Parties & Sex Crimes
• What To Do If You Are Falsely Accused of Sexual Assault
• Can Sexual Assault Victims Sue Their Attackers for Damages?
• Overview of Ohio's Sexual Battery Laws
• Crimes Involving Sexually-Oriented Business
• Sexual Imposition Charges in Ohio
• Penalties for Unlawful Sexual Conduct With a Minor