Have you been accused of statutory rape in Cincinnati, OH? Do not let another moment go by without calling the experienced Cincinnati statutory rape lawyers at Suhre & Associates, LLC.
These are incredibly serious criminal allegations, and your future is very much at stake. You could be facing harsh penalties, including a lengthy prison sentence and the burden of a criminal record.
Call our law office today at (513) 333-0014 to arrange a free consultation to find out how we can help.
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Why You Should Hire Suhre & Associates, LLC
All sex crimes are serious.
This is particularly true for offenses involving minors – even teenagers who might have acknowledged they wanted to engage in sexual activity.
When you find yourself facing statutory rape charges in Cincinnati, Ohio, it is important to assert a defense immediately.
This means don’t talk to the police, don’t contact the alleged victim, and call an experienced Cincinnati criminal defense lawyer from Suhre & Associates, LLC, right away.
When you hire our law firm, you’ll benefit from the experience and insight of a former police officer and a former prosecutor. That can level the playing field and even tip the odds of a successful outcome in your favor.
Our defense team will:
- Offer you candid legal advice throughout your case
- Work tirelessly to bail you out of police custody
- Communicate with the state’s prosecutor on your behalf
- Answer any questions you might have about the justice system
- Provide you with an overview of the Ohio criminal justice system
- Stand up for your rights as a United States citizen or resident
- Discuss the nuances of your case with relevant experts
- Fill out and file legal documents with the court on your behalf
- Conduct a thorough investigation into the state’s allegations
- Develop an effective legal strategy for your statutory rape case
- Search for evidence that may convince a jury to acquit you
- Work to negotiate a plea bargain with the state’s prosecutor, if that’s in your best interest
- Representing you at trial, if necessary
Don’t face your sex crime charges alone. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney from Suhre & Associates, LLC, today to get the guidance and assistance you need to fight back against the state’s accusations. We know what it takes to win cases like yours, and we are more than ready to go to bat for you.
Understanding the Statutory Rape Laws in Ohio
Most jurisdictions in the United States define “statutory rape” as engaging in sexual activity with a person who is below the age of consent. Ohio has several laws on its books that make it unlawful for individuals to engage in this type of behavior.
These include:
Rape
Section 2907.02 of the Ohio Revised Code asserts that it is unlawful for an individual to engage in sexual conduct with a person who is younger than 13 years of age – even if the offender does not know the victim’s age.
The Ohio Revised Code defines “sexual conduct” as:
- Cunnilingus
- Fellatio
- Vaginal intercourse
- Anal intercourse
- Object insertion
When police officers in Ohio catch people violating this statute, they can arrest them and charge them with rape – a first-degree felony.
Sexual Assault
Section 2907.03 of the Ohio Revised Code asserts that it is unlawful for an individual to engage in sexual conduct with another person when:
- They are a teacher, and the other person is a minor who attends their school or institute of higher education
- They are a coach, and the other person is a minor over whom they have disciplinary control
- They are a peace officer, and the other person is a minor who is more than two years their junior
- They are a cleric, and the other person is a minor who is a member of their congregation
- They are the other person’s parent or guardian
Cincinnati residents who break this law are guilty of sexual assault. Ohio courts classify this sex offense as a felony of the second or third degree.
Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor
Section 2907.04 of the Ohio Revised Code asserts that it is unlawful for an individual who is at least 18 years of age to engage in sexual conduct with a person who is younger than 16 but older than 13.
When the authorities catch Cincinnatians violating this law, they may take them into custody on suspicion of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
Courts in the Buckeye State can classify this sex crime as a:
- Felony of the second degree
- Felony of the third degree
- Felony of the fourth degree, or
- Misdemeanor of the first degree
The penalties for this offense tend to become more severe as the age gap between the perpetrator and the victim widens.
Gross Sexual Imposition
Section 2907.05 of the Ohio Revised Code asserts that it is unlawful for an individual to have sexual contact with a child who is less than 13 years old – even if the offender does not know the victim’s age.
In Ohio, the phrase “sexual contact” means the touching of the:
- Thighs
- Breasts
- Buttocks
- Genitals, or
- Pubic region
This law also notes that it is illegal for an individual to knowingly touch the genitals of a person who is younger than 12 years of age with the purpose of degrading, humiliating, or harassing them or any other party.
Ohio residents who break this law are guilty of gross sexual imposition – a felony of the third or fourth degree.
Sexual Imposition
Section 2907.06 of the Ohio Revised Code asserts that it is unlawful for an individual who is more than 18 years old to have any sexual contact with a person who is younger than 16 but at least 13 years of age.
People who break this law are guilty of sexual imposition.
Ohio courts almost always punish this crime as a misdemeanor of the first or third degree.
Importuning
Section 2907.07 of the Ohio Revised Code asserts that it is unlawful for an individual to solicit a person who is less than 13 years of age to engage in sexual activity – even if the offender does not know the victim’s age.
This law further says that it is illegal for an individual to solicit a person to engage in sexual conduct when:
- They are at least 18 years old
- They are more than four years older than the victim, and
- The victim is at least 13 years old
This law concludes by noting that people cannot use telecommunications devices to engage in sexual activities when:
- They are at least 18 years old, and the other person is less than 13 years of age, or
- They are at least 18 years old, and the other person is a police officer posing as someone who is less than 13 years of age
Individuals who violate this law are guilty of importuning. Courts in Ohio may punish this offense as a:
- Felony of the second degree
- Felony of the third degree
- Felony of the fourth degree, or
- Felony of the fifth degree
Were you recently accused of child sexual abuse in Cincinnati, Ohio? If so, please get in touch with the legal team at Suhre & Associates, LLC, as soon as you can. We might be able to use our knowledge of the law to get your case dismissed or your charges reduced.
Consequences of Ohio Statutory Rape Convictions
When courts convict people of statutory rape in Ohio, they almost always receive a substantial fine and a lengthy term of imprisonment. The precise nature of their penalties depends on the seriousness of their crime:
- Felonies of the First Degree: A fine of up to $20,000 and as long as 11 years in prison.
- Felonies of the Second Degree: A fine up to $15,000 and as long as eight years in prison.
- Felonies of the Third Degree: A fine of up to $10,000 and as long as 60 months in prison.
- Felonies of the Fourth Degree: A fine of up to $5,000 and as long as 18 months in prison.
- Felonies of the Fifth Degree: A fine of up to $2,500 and as long as one year in prison.
- Misdemeanors of the First Degree: A fine of up to $1,000 and as long as 180 days in jail.
- Misdemeanors of the Second Degree: A fine of up to $750 and as long as 90 days in jail.
- Misdemeanors of the Third Degree: A fine of up to $500 and as long as 60 days in jail.
Ohio courts may extend the maximum prison term for felonies of the first and second degree by up to 50 percent.
Individuals who commit statutory rape in the Buckeye State also have to register as sex offenders. Some convicts must stay on the registry for 15 years. Others have to remain on the list for the rest of their lives.
While listed on the sex offender registry, Ohioans have to adhere to rules and restrictions such as:
- Having to submit to periodic drug and alcohol tests
- Having the authorities monitor their computer use
- Not being allowed to speak to kids without prior consent
- Not being allowed to live close to a school
- Not having permission to work with children or vulnerable adults
- Not being allowed to purchase, own, or use guns
The experienced attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC, have been helping Cincinnati residents avoid the consequences of sex crimes convictions for many years. We know what it takes to convince a jury to acquit our clients. If you would like to have us represent you, please give us a call today.
Defenses Against Ohio Statutory Rape Charges
An effective defense strategy can help to prevent a statutory rape charge from becoming a conviction. Ohioans frequently get their cases dismissed when they:
- Claim that a police officer violated their constitutional rights
- Prove that they were with another person at the time of the offense
- Show that the victim lied about their age
- Argue that the state does not have enough evidence to convict
- Claim that the touching was accidental
Would you like to have a seasoned criminal defense attorney from Suhre & Associates, LLC, review your case and help you devise a legal strategy? If so, please call us today to arrange a free consultation at our law offices in Cincinnati, Ohio. We have the knowledge and experience required to point you in the right direction.
A Cincinnati Statutory Rape Lawyer You Can Count On
Suhre & Associates, LLC, has been representing clients in sex crime cases for years – achieving many favorable verdicts along the way. So, when you need a Cincinnati statutory rape lawyer to go to battle for you, please give us a call as soon as possible. We would be happy to use our experience to help you fight for your freedom.
