If you are searching for a Cincinnati internet sex crime lawyer, Suhre & Associates, LLC can help. Our experienced criminal defense lawyers want to help fight for your rights and future.
The state of Ohio takes internet sex crimes cases extremely seriously, and prosecutes them aggressively. Once they have their sights set on you, they will not rest until they put you behind bars. That’s where we come in.
If you are accused of an internet sex crime, don’t say anything to the police. Tell them you want your lawyer, and call us at (513) 333-0014 in Cincinnati, OH, right away. Contact us today.
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How Can Suhre & Associates, LLC Help With Cincinnati Internet Sex Crimes Charges?
As Cincinnati criminal defense lawyers, we understand how important this case is to your future. Internet sex crimes charges can be life-altering. With your reputation and freedom on the line, we will begin building a defense from the moment you hire us.
With us on your side, you can rest assured that everything that can be done will be done. We will go over every detail of your internet sex crime case with painstaking detail. We know that cases are often won and lost in the tiny details.
Some of the things we will do when you bring us in include:
- Asserting your right to remain silent
- Filing motions to suppress evidence
- Working with computer forensics experts
- Negotiating to have charges reduced or dismissed
- Take your case to trial for an acquittal
Every case is unique, so you may have different defenses available in your case. A skilled Cincinnati sex crimes lawyer will need to carefully review your case to determine the best course of action.
Contact us today in Cincinnati, Ohio, for a free consultation with a Cincinnati criminal defense attorney.
What is an Internet Sex Crime Charge in Cincinnati, Ohio?
There are two main types of internet sex crimes in Cincinnati, Ohio. The first is child pornography. The second is enticing a minor, known as “Importuning a Minor” in Ohio.
Child Pornography
Child pornography is defined as any material that shows a minor participating in sexual activity, masturbation, or bestiality. A minor is any person under the age of 18. You can be charged with child pornography if you are involved with it in any way, from viewing it to producing it.
Typically, an internet sex crime is charged for viewing or possessing the material. If you are charged with viewing child pornography, there are elements that the state must prove to a jury to convict you.
These elements are:
- The defendant
- Knowingly
- Solicited, received, purchased, exchanged, possessed, or controlled
- Material portraying a minor engaged in sexual activity, masturbation, or bestiality
The state must prove these elements beyond a reasonable doubt.
Importuning a Minor
The internet sex crime of importuning a minor is sometimes called “luring” and “enticing;” it is when someone tries to arrange a meet-up online for sexual activity.
This crime has the following elements:
- The defendant is 18 years or older
- Used a telecommunications device (internet, chat room, app, social media, etc.)
- To solicit another to engage in sexual activity
- The other person is either less than 13 years old or between 13 and 16 years of age and the defendant is four years older than the victim.
- The defendant knows the victim’s age or is reckless in that regard
Both importuning a minor and child pornography charges are extremely serious charges. You need to hire a good lawyer who will fight the allegations using every tool available to them.
What are the Penalties for an Internet Sex Crime Conviction in OH?
Internet sex crimes are considered felonies in the state of Ohio. A felony is the most serious type of crime; they carry a potential prison sentence of more than one year.
Importuning a minor online is punishable as either a Third Degree Felony if the victim is under the age of 13 or a Fifth Degree Felony if the victim is between the age of 13 and 16.
Child pornography can be punished with varying levels of severity depending on the exact conduct alleged. Typically, viewing child pornography online is charged as a Fourth Degree Felony.
The penalties for the different felonies discussed here are:
- Third Degree Felony: 1-5 years prison
- Fourth Degree Felony: 6-18 months prison
- Fifth Degree Felony: 6-12 months prison
The criminal complaint is the official charging document in a criminal case, and it will contain the specific charges against you and the possible penalties. You should carefully review the complaint against you with your attorney to know what penalties you are facing.
In addition to prison time, a conviction for internet sex crimes means that you will have to register as a sex offender with the state of Ohio. Registered sex offenders have their name on a publicly available list and must follow numerous requirements or face additional felony charges. Requirements include meeting regularly with law enforcement and restrictions on where you can live and work.
Contact Suhre & Associates, LLC For A Free Consultation
If you need a Cincinnati internet sex crime lawyer, you need Suhre & Associates, LLC on your team. Get in touch with us right away so we can begin asserting your rights and fighting the allegations against you. We are standing by to take your call.
