Protecting Your Rights and Freedoms in the Criminal Justice System
A sex crime conviction in Ohio can have life-altering consequences, not only in terms of legal penalties such as imprisonment and fines but also in the lasting social stigma that follows. The impact on your personal and professional life can be immense, as you may face challenges with employment, housing, and even relationships. In such dire circumstances, obtaining strong legal representation is essential.
At Patituce & Associates, LLC, our Ohio sex crimes lawyers understand the gravity of the situation you are facing. Our firm, led by a managing partner who is one of just 13 board-certified specialists in the state, has a track record of success in handling high-profile cases and securing favorable outcomes for our clients.
If you are charged with a sex crime in Ohio, contact us today at 440-427-3860 to schedule a free case consultation and learn how our attorneys can fight to protect your rights, reputation, and future.
Fighting for Your Side in a System That Works Against You
When facing sex crime charges, it is crucial to recognize that the legal system can be particularly unforgiving for defendants. These cases can spark intense emotions and outcry. Public sentiment and the desire to see justice served often lead to intense scrutiny and pressure on all parties involved. In a system where the odds may seem stacked against you, you need a sex crime defense attorney who can fight for your side of the story.
By hiring an attorney at Patituce & Associates, LLC, you can protect your rights and obtain the support that you need during this complex process. Our Ohio criminal defense lawyers can provide vital assistance in many areas, including:
- Challenging false allegations: False accusations of sex crimes can devastate lives. Your attorney will investigate the case thoroughly, uncovering any inconsistencies or weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments and working to expose false reports.
- Building a strong defense: Your attorney will craft a robust defense strategy tailored to the specific circumstances of the case, accounting for the unique factors, evidence, and legal issues involved.
- Protecting your rights: A dedicated sex crimes attorney will ensure that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process, guarding against any potential miscarriages of justice.
- Navigating complex legal procedures: Sex crime cases often involve intricate legal procedures and rules. Your attorney can help you navigate these complexities and handle your case professionally and effectively.
- Mitigating consequences: If a conviction is unavoidable, your attorney can advocate for reduced charges or sentencing, emphasizing mitigating factors and presenting a compelling case for leniency.
Common Types of Sex Crimes in Ohio
The Ohio Revised Code (O.R.C.) defines several types of prohibited sexual conduct that can be prosecuted under the law. At Patituce & Associates, LLC, our firm defends clients in many sex crime cases, including the following:
- O.R.C. 2907.02 – Rape
- O.R.C. 2907.22 – Promoting prostitution
- O.R.C. 2907.32 – Pandering obscenity
- O.R.C. 2907.311 – Displaying matter harmful to juveniles
- O.R.C. 2907.33 – Deception to obtain matter harmful to juveniles
- O.R.C. 2907.07 – Importuning
- O.R.C. 2907.321 – Pandering obscenity to a minor
- O.R.C. 2907.28 – Payment for medical examination and test of any victim or accused
- O.R.C. 2907.06 – Sexual imposition
- O.R.C. 2907.08 – Voyeurism
- O.R.C. 2907.09 – Public indecency
- O.R.C. 2907.40 – Illegally operating a sexually oriented business
- O.R.C. 2907.31 – Disseminating matter harmful to juveniles
- O.R.C. 2907.04 – Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor
- O.R.C. 2907.05 – Gross sexual imposition
- O.R.C. 2907.03 – Sexual battery
- O.R.C. 2907.34 – Compelling acceptance of objectionable materials
- O.R.C. 2907.19 – Commercial sexual exploitation of a minor
- O.R.C. 2907.323 – Illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance
- O.R.C. 2907.21 – Compelling prostitution
What Are the Penalties of a Sex Crime Conviction?
The penalties for sex crime convictions vary widely depending on the nature and severity of the offense. Potential consequences include imprisonment and fines. Below is a breakdown of the different levels and degrees of charges, as well as the associated penalties for sex crimes in Ohio:
- Fourth-degree misdemeanors can result in up to 30 days in jail and/or up to $250 in fines. Examples of such crimes include public indecency involving the exposure of private parts.
- Third-degree misdemeanors may lead to up to 60 days in jail and/or up to $500 in fines. Crimes in this category include sexual imposition, voyeurism, and public indecency involving sexual conduct or masturbation.
- Second-degree misdemeanors can carry penalties of up to 90 days in jail and/or up to $750 in fines. Examples include voyeurism involving the recording of a nude person and public indecency involving masturbation or sexual conduct in front of a minor.
- First-degree misdemeanors may result in up to 180 days in jail and/or up to $1,000 in fines. Crimes in this category include unlawful sexual conduct with a minor (when the alleged offender is less than four years older than the victim) and public indecency involving exposure of private parts to coerce a child to engage in sexual conduct.
- Fifth-degree felonies can lead to up to 12 months in prison and/or up to $2,500 in fines. Examples of such crimes include voyeurism involving a minor.
- Fourth-degree felonies may result in up to 18 months in prison and/or up to $5,000 in fines. Crimes in this category include unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, gross sexual imposition, and promoting prostitution.
- Third-degree felonies can carry penalties of up to 36 months in prison and/or up to $10,000 in fines. Examples include sexual battery, commercial exploitation of a minor, and compelling prostitution.
- Second-degree felonies may lead to up to 12 years in prison and/or up to $15,000 in fines. Crimes in this category include sexual battery against a person under 13 years of age and compelling prostitution of a minor between 16 and 17 years of age.
- First-degree felonies can result in up to 16.5 years in prison and/or up to $20,000 in fines. Examples of such crimes include rape and compelling prostitution of a minor under 16 years of age.
In addition to the criminal penalties, a sex crime conviction can have a major impact on your personal and professional life. You may struggle to find a place to live or work, and you may face irreparable damage to your relationships and reputation.
Facing a Sex Crime Conviction? Contact Patituce & Associates, LLC Today
If you are arrested for a sex crime in Ohio, you need an attorney on your side who can fight to protect your rights and freedoms. Contact Patituce & Associates, LLC today at 440-427-3860 to discuss your case and plan your defense strategy.