Sex Crimes

CRIMINAL

Many sexual interactions are remarkably private and intimate experiences, so it often comes as a shock to many people when they are later charged with sex crimes. Certain sex offenses involve allegedly aggressive violations of a person’s physical space, but other cases can be much more complicated disputes over consent.

Sex Crimes

Most prosecutors in Ohio take sex crime cases very seriously and try hard to make sure alleged offenders receive maximum sentences. Convictions for sex crimes can be very damaging because they not only involve lengthy terms of imprisonment and large fines, but can also have many other collateral consequences that can linger for the remainder of a person’s life.

Sex Crime Defense Attorneys in Columbus, OH | Sabol | Mallory

Were you or you'r loved one arrested or do you think you might be under investigation for an alleged sex crime in Columbus? Do not speak to police without legal counsel.

Sabol | Mallory has more than two decades of combined legal experience. We can explore all of your legal options as soon as you call (614) 300-5088 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.  

Types of Sex Crimes in Ohio

All of the following are identified as sex offenses under Chapter 2907 of the Ohio Revised Code:

  • Rape — Ohio Revised Code § 2907.02  
  • Sexual Battery — Ohio Revised Code § 2907.03  
  • Unlawful Sexual Conduct With Minor — Ohio Revised Code § 2907.04  
  • Gross Sexual Imposition — Ohio Revised Code § 2907.05  
  • Sexual Imposition — Ohio Revised Code § 2907.06
  • Importuning — Ohio Revised Code § 2907.07
  • Voyeurism — Ohio Revised Code § 2907.08  
  • Public Indecency — Ohio Revised Code § 2907.09
  • Compelling Prostitution — Ohio Revised Code § 2907.21  
  • Promoting Prostitution — Ohio Revised Code § 2907.22  
  • Procuring — Ohio Revised Code § 2907.23  
  • Soliciting After Positive HIV Test — Ohio Revised Code § 2907.24  
  • Loitering to Engage in Solicitation — Ohio Revised Code § 2907.241  
  • Prostitution After Positive HIV Test — Ohio Revised Code § 2907.25  
  • Pandering Obscenity — Ohio Revised Code § 2907.32  
  • Pandering Obscenity Involving A Minor — Ohio Revised Code § 2907.321  
  • Pandering Sexually Oriented Matter Involving A Minor — Ohio Revised Code § 2907.322  
  • Illegal Use Of Minor In Nudity-oriented Material Or Performance — Ohio Revised Code § 2907.323  
  • Deception To Obtain Matter Harmful To Juveniles — Ohio Revised Code § 2907.33  
  • Compelling Acceptance Of Objectionable Materials — Ohio Revised Code § 2907.34  
  • Permitting Unlawful Operation Of Viewing Booths Depicting Sexual Conduct — Ohio Revised Code § 2907.38
  • Permitting Juvenile On Premises Of Adult Entertainment Establishment - Use Of False Information To Gain Entry — Ohio Revised Code § 2907.39
  • Illegally Operating Sexually Oriented Business — Ohio Revised Code § 2907.40

In many sex crime cases, alleged victims submit to rape kit examinations that provide for certain forms of physical evidence.  

Ohio Sex Crime Penalties

Sex crimes may be misdemeanors or felony offenses depending on numerous factors. When a person is charged with a misdemeanor, a conviction is punishable by:  

  • First-Degree Misdemeanor — Up to 180 days in jail and/or fine of up to $1,000
  • Second-Degree Misdemeanor — Up to 90 days in jail and/or fine of up to $750
  • Third-Degree Misdemeanor — Up to 60 days in jail and/or fine of up to $500
  • Fourth-Degree Misdemeanor — Up to 30 days in jail and/or fine of up to $250

Felony sex crime convictions have much longer prison sentences and bigger fines. By degree, convictions are punishable as follows:

  • First-Degree Felony — Three to 11 years in prison and/or fine of up to $20,000
  • Second-Degree Felony — Two to eight years in prison and/or fine of up to $15,000
  • Third-Degree Felony — Nine to 36 months (up to five years in some cases) in prison and/or fine of up to $10,000
  • Fourth-Degree Felony — Six to 18 months in prison and/or fine of up to $5,000
  • Fifth-Degree Felony — Six to 12 months in prison and/or fine of up to $2,500

Another consequence of a sex crime conviction in Ohio is that a person could be required to register as a sex offender. Ohio has three tiers for sex offenders, with Tier I sex offenders required to register annually (once a year) with the county sheriff for 15 years, Tier II sex offenders required to register biannually (every 180 days or twice a year) with the county sheriff for 25 years, and Tier III sex offenders required to register quarterly (every 90 days or four times a year) with the county sheriff for life.

Columbus, OH Sex Crime Resources

Victim Witness Assistance Unit | Franklin County Prosecutor's Office — The mission of the Office of the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney is “to professionally, effectively, and efficiently provide legal representation and advice to governmental clients and within the bounds of law and ethics aggressively prosecute criminal offenders in order to protect the citizens of Franklin County and obtain justice for victims of crime.” Visit this website to learn more about Franklin County Prosecutor Victim Witness Assistants (commonly referred to as "advocates"). Find answers to frequently asked questions.  

Franklin County Prosecutor's Office

373 S. High St., 14th Floor

Columbus, OH 43215

(614) 525-3555

Sex Offender Registry | Franklin County Sheriff — You can search for registered sex offenders and learn more about the Electronic Sex Offender Registration and Notification System (e-SORN) on this website. The website also has information about “Megan’s Law” and the “Adam Walsh Act.” You can also sign up to receive an email notification when sex offenders move into your area.

Franklin County Sheriff's Office

373 South High Street, Floor 2B

Columbus, OH 43215

(614) 525-3333

Defenses Against Sexual Assault and Rape — Helping people learn how to prevent themselves from being the victims of sex crimes is discussed in this article from the Strategic Response Bureau of the Columbus Division of Police. You can find common safety tips, learn about “date rape,” and find information about incest and pedophilia. The article also discusses child survivors and what to do if you have been raped or sexually assaulted.

Columbus Division of Police

120 Marconi Blvd  

Columbus, OH 43215  

(614) 645-4545

Contact a Columbus Sex Crime Defense Lawyer Today

If you or your loved have been arrested or think that you might be under investigation for an alleged sex crime in the greater Columbus area, make sure that you do not make any statement to authorities without legal representation. A skilled attorney will make sure that you do not say anything that creates possible criminal liability.

The lawyers of Sabol | Mallory have undergone extensive additional training to better understand the complex evidence involved in these types of cases, and our firm will fight to help you achieve the most favorable possible outcome that carries the fewest penalties. Call (614) 300-5088 or contact us online to take advantage of a free consultation.

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