Sex Crime Cases Involving Children in Cincinnati, OH
Sex crime cases involving children in Cincinnati, Ohio, attract attention. Even if you are falsely accused, allegations alone negatively affect your personal and professional reputation. An attorney for sex crime cases involving children from our firm can clear your name and defend you from prosecution.
You may have seen our firm’s founder, Attorney Brian Joslyn, on local and national news. As an older teen, he successfully overcame wrongful accusations and police brutality. Today, Attorney Joslyn and his legal team dedicate themselves to helping Cincinnati citizens fight criminal charges, including those involving children.
Our firm was recognized for its exceptional legal representation and client service, with such awards as:
- Martindale-Hubbell “Preeminent Peer Rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence”
- CEO Magazine “Top Lawyer”
- Super Lawyers “Rising Stars”
- American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys “Ten Best”
- The National Trial Lawyers “Top 25 Criminal Law Attorneys”
- American Jurist Institute “Top Ten Attorneys”
Joslyn Law Firm has handled 20,000 cases for clients from all walks of life. Our award-winning defense lawyers could mean the difference between a guilty or not guilty verdict.
Defend Yourself Against Sex Crime Charges Involving Children in Cincinnati
Our legal team understands that you are under enormous stress. Joslyn Law Firm provides each client with the compassionate yet aggressive representation required to obtain the best possible outcome.
We cannot promise a specific outcome of your case. Still, our firm has scored impressive legal victories for clients facing sex charges in Cincinnati and throughout Central Ohio.
Our attorneys for sex crime cases involving children may be able to have your charges dismissed or reduced. If your case goes to trial, rest assured that you have the resources of our award-winning criminal defense firm behind you.
Here are a few comments from Joslyn Law Firm clients:
“I cannot thank Joslyn Law Firm enough for all of their time and effort to resolve my case. They were always there to answer questions and phone calls, because let’s face it, going through the system is nerve-wracking and scary….” Ashley S.
“Mark was the best lawyer that anybody could ask for! He got my case dismissed, and he stood by me the whole time going through my long and frustrating process.” Tymiha M.
“First time navigating the court system, so it was very comforting to have someone helping you.” R.H.
Our lawyers feel privileged to have helped so many people through challenging times. Joslyn Law Firm looks forward to assisting you. Call us today at (513) 399-6289 for a free, confidential consultation.
Sex Crime Cases Involving Children in Cincinnati, OH, Information Center
- Ohio Laws for Sex Crime Charges Involving Children
- Incarceration for Sex Crimes Involving Children in Hamilton County
- Ohio Sex Offender Registry
- Common Types of Evidence Used by Prosecution in Ohio Sex Crimes
- Potential Defenses for Ohio Sex Crime Charges Involving Children
- Resources for Sex Crime Cases Involving Children in Cincinnati
- News about Sex Crime Cases Involving Children in Ohio
- FAQs about Sex Crime Cases Involving Children in Hamilton County
- Attorney for Sex Crime Cases Involving Children in Cincinnati, OH
Ohio Laws for Sex Crime Charges Involving Children
Ohio has several statutes defining sex offenses involving children. According to Ohio Revised Code § 2907, these crimes include wrongful sexual contact, sexual violence, and unlawful sexual behavior.
Our sex crimes defense lawyers help you understand the charges against you and their potential sentences. We strongly suggest that you request to have our attorneys by your side from the moment you are arrested or investigated.
Ohio uses a three-tier system to classify sex crime charges for punishment and sex offender registry requirements. Tier III crimes are the most severe and have the harshest penalties.
Tier I Sex Crime Charges
Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor
According to Ohio Revised Code § 2907.04, unlawful sexual conduct with a minor involves a defendant 18 or older and a plaintiff between 13 and 16 years old. Unlawful sexual conduct does not have to include actual sexual intercourse.
Sexual Imposition
Ohio Revised Code § 2907.06 defines sexual imposition as sexual contact with another person who is not the spouse of the alleged offender or another individual in the erogenous area. Erogenous areas include the genitals, buttocks, and breasts.
Illegal Use of a Minor in Nudity-Oriented Material or Performance
Under Ohio Revised Code § 2907.323, it is a felony to use, possess, or view material of a nude minor unless you are the parent and have bona fide purpose. For example, it is not a crime to take pictures of your child taking a bath, so long as the photos remain private and not used for prurient interest.
Child Enticement with Sexual Motivation
It is illegal to solicit, entice, coax, or lure a child younger than 14 with “sexual motivation” or “unlawful purpose,” according to Ohio Revised Code § 2905.05.
Tier II Sex Crimes
Prostitution
According to Ohio Revised Code § 2907.21, individuals can be charged if they procure, encourage, solicit, or otherwise facilitate prostitution involving a minor. Engaging a minor in sexual activity in exchange for money or other goods is illegal. This is true regardless of whether the offender knew the person to be a minor or not.
Pandering Obscenity Involving a Minor
Under Ohio Revised Code § 2907.321, it is illegal to “create, reproduce, publish, buy, sell, advertise for sale, distribute, or display” obscene material involving minors. A similar felony is Pandering Sexually Oriented Material Involving a Minor (covered under Ohio Revised Code § 2907.323).
Gross Sexual Imposition of a Victim Under 13
Defined under Ohio Revised Code § 2907.05, this crime is more extreme than simple sexual imposition. Gross sexual imposition involves using intoxicants, force, the threat of force, a victim younger than 13 years old, or a mentally impaired adult.
Tier III Sex Crimes
Rape
Rape is a first-degree felony, whether the victim is an adult or a minor. According to Ohio Revised Code § 2907.02, rape is non-consensual sex through the use of force, threats, drugs, intoxicants, or coercion.
Sexual Battery
Sexual battery, per Ohio Revised Code 2907.03, is unwanted sexual contact involving oral, anal, or vaginal penetration by another or by an object. Sexual battery differs from rape in that the prosecution does not need to prove force or use of force.
Kidnapping of Minor with Sexual Motivation
According to the Ohio Revised Code 2905.01, this crime consists of forcibly abducting a child under 13 for sexual activity.
Child Pornography
Both Ohio and federal laws prohibit the production, transportation, and possession of child pornography.
Incarceration for Sex Crimes Involving Children in Hamilton County
Penalties for sex crime cases range from misdemeanors to felonies. Below are general Ohio sentencing guidelines for the above-referenced child-related crime cases.
- Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor: Third-degree felony if the defendant is ten or more years older than the victim, punishable by up to five years in prison; or fourth-degree felony with a prison sentence from six to 18 months in prison
- Sexual Imposition: Third-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail
- Gross Sexual Imposition with a Victim 13 or Younger: Third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison
- Child Enticement with Sexual Motivation: First-degree misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of 180 days in jail
- Illegal Use of a Minor in Nudity-Oriented Material or Performance: Second-degree felony with a prison sentence between two and eight years
- Pandering Obscenity with a Minor: Second-degree felony, punishable by a maximum of eight years in prison
- Prostitution Involving a Minor: Second-degree felony, punishable by a prison term between two and eight years
- Sexual Battery: Third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison
- Rape: First-degree felony with a prison sentence from 15 years to life
- Kidnapping of a Minor with Sexual Motivation: First-degree felony punishable by prison from 15 years to life
- Child Pornography: Child pornography is a second-degree felony with a maximum prison sentence of eight years depending on specific charges and counts. The penalties are higher if you are charged in federal court.
Ohio Sex Offender Registry
Under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2950, individuals convicted of sex crimes must register with the state’s sex offender registry. Ohio recognizes three tiers of classification for sex offenders.
Registry Requirements for Convicted Sex Offenders
- Tier I sex crimes: Once yearly for up to 15 years
- Tier II sex crimes: Every 180 days for up to 25 years
- Tier III sex crimes: Every 90 days for life
Registered sex offenders appear on a public database, making it virtually impossible to conceal. In some cases, neighbors receive notifications when a sex offender moves into the community.
Collateral Damage as a Registered Sex Offender
A sex crime conviction, especially a case involving children, remains a blot on your personal and reputation for years, even a lifetime.
If you are a convicted felony sex offender, you lose the right to:
- Vote in public elections
- Possess a firearm
- Secure specific professional occupational licenses
- Obtain some government benefits for income assistance and housing
- Serve in the military (you will be dishonorably discharged if convicted while an active service member)
- Live or work near schools, daycare centers, public parks, and other areas where minors frequent
Additionally, registered sex offenders face difficulties regarding child custody, visitation, and immigration or citizenship status.
Common Types of Evidence Used by Prosecution in Ohio Sex Crimes
Prosecutors pursue sex crime cases involving children when they believe there is sufficient evidence to get a conviction.
In our experience as sex crime defense lawyers in Cincinnati, the most common evidence used by prosecutors includes:
- Testimony by the alleged victim, witnesses, law enforcement, or subject matter experts
- Forensic evidence, including semen, blood, and hair
- Medical records indicating signs of sexual activity or penetration, bleeding, and bruises
- Photos or videos of the crime scene depicting signs of a struggle
It may surprise you to know that even when an alleged victim has a change of mind, the prosecution can still file charges. It is in your best interest to have a solid legal advocate defend you from the start of your case.
Potential Defenses for Sex Crime Charges Involving Children in Cincinnati
“Mistake of age” is not a viable defense for sex crimes involving children. You cannot claim ignorance of the alleged victim’s age. However, there are several effective strategies that Joslyn Law Firm may employ on your behalf.
False Allegations
Sex crimes involving children are sadly all too real, but sometimes, an individual makes false allegations. There are several motives for wrongfully accusing someone of these crimes, including revenge.
It is not uncommon for one parent to blame the other for a sex crime involving their children to gain the advantage in a custody battle.
Alleged Victim Consented
Depending on the charge, an attorney may assert that the sexual activity was consensual. The age of consent in Ohio is 16.
Mistaken Identity
Victims and witnesses can err when identifying a defendant. Mistaken identity is an effective defense when you can prove that you were somewhere else at the time of the alleged crime.
Procedural or Evidentiary Errors
The prosecution cannot use evidence against you if illegally obtained. Our sex crimes defense team carefully reviews your case. If the police secured evidence through an unlawful search, we would seek to suppress the evidence.
Resources for Sex Crime Cases Involving Children in Cincinnati
Ohio Attorney General’s Crimes Against Children Initiative – This program provides support and resources during the investigation and prosecution stages. The Crimes Against Children Initiative bolsters local authorities with training, advocacy, case analysis, and legal guidance. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost leads this initiative.
Ohio Sex Offender Search – Registered sex offenders in all 88 Ohio counties must register their home address, work address, and vehicle information with their local sheriff’s office. Using these parameters or a reverse lookup, you may search the database using an individual’s phone number or email.
Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Abuse – Child sexual abuse victims receive advocacy and support from the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Abuse. The website provides links, phone numbers, and support information for victims, parents, educators, law enforcement, healthcare workers, and the public.
Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force – The Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force includes city, county, state, and federal law enforcement authorities. Its purpose is to identify, arrest, and convict individuals who use the internet to locate minors for sexual contact.
News about Sex Crime Cases Involving Children in Ohio
Thirty-one People Arrested in Undercover Online Child Sex Crimes Operation in Cuyahoga County – The Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office joined forces to arrest 31 individuals in an undercover child sex crimes sting. The defendants were arrested in “Operation Déjà vu.”
The defendants participated in sexually explicit online chats with who they believed were minor children. The individuals face charges ranging from third-to-fifth-degree felonies.
Salineville Man Gets Five Years for Child Sex Crime – A 54-year-old Salineville man pleaded guilty to gross sexual imposition on a seven-year-old child. Charles Fuller also pleaded guilty to failing to notify the sheriff of a change of address. Fuller was already a registered offender and moved as jury selection was underway.
Former Youth Coach Accused of Child Sex Crimes Asks to Attend Children’s Sporting Events – A former youth coach facing nine sex crime counts sought permission to attend childrens’ sporting events. Eric Schmidt, a 42-year-old former children’s athletic coach, was indicted on five charges.
These include rape, two counts of gross sexual imposition, and two counts of public indecency. Under conditions of his bond, Schmidt is supposed to stay away from all children except for his own.
Columbiana County Authorities See Recent Spike in Sex Cases, Many Involving Children – Mahoning Sheriff Jerry Greene and his deputies are arresting more individuals for sex crime cases involving children.
A recent addition to the sheriff’s office is a black Labrador retriever named Bubba. The dog sniffs out a specific chemical scent used on electronics. These include thumb drives that alleged sex offenders use to store pornography.
FAQs about Sex Crime Cases Involving Children in Hamilton County
Q. What is the statute of limitations for sex crimes involving children?
A. The statute of limitations for a felony crime in Ohio is typically six years, according to Ohio Revised Code § 2901.13. However, this deadline may reach as far back as 20 years, depending on the crime and the alleged victim’s age.
Q. What are some defenses for sex crime cases involving children?
A. Mistaken identity and false allegations are common defenses for sex crime cases involving children. Individuals should give their attorneys all information that could be useful for establishing an alibi.
Q. Do I have to register as a sex offender for a misdemeanor in Ohio?
A. You still must register with your local sheriff even if you’re charged with a misdemeanor sex crime conviction.
Q. Could I plead to a lesser charge to avoid prison?
A. Depending on your case, pleading guilty to a lesser charge reduces the severity of your punishment. You could receive community control in place of jail.
Attorney for Sex Crime Cases Involving Children in Cincinnati, OH
If you face arrest or conviction for a Cincinnati sex crime case, call Joslyn Law Firm today. Your life, liberty, and future are at stake. An attorney from our firm who handles sex crime cases involving children can defend your future.
Call today for a free case review: (513) 399-6289. Our award-winning criminal defense firm is ready to clear your name and protect your rights. Your lawyer can aid you if you’re a first time offender or if you have faced charges before.
