Arrested for unlawful sex with a minor in Ohio

Sex crimes are some of the most aggressively prosecuted in Ohio and throughout the United States. Penalties are serious for these types of crimes, and consequences are long-lasting.

At Hiltner Trial Lawyers, our team of experienced Ohio defense attorneys knows that not every accusation is as it seems. And if you’ve been arrested for unlawful sex with a minor, you deserve a dedicated defense.

Let’s take a look at what these accusations mean, the potential consequences of a conviction, and how a qualified defense lawyer can help.

Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, typically referred to as statutory rape, is a very serious criminal act in Ohio.

Unlawful sex with a minor is defined in Ohio as occurring when an individual aged 18 or older engages in sexual conduct with another person who is between 13 and 16 years old. In Ohio, the law states that children under 16 cannot legally give consent to sexual activity, making such activities unlawful by default.

There are considerations given to the age difference between the involved parties, and if the age gap is more than 4 years, the offense becomes more serious. Additionally, the specific details of each case will be the foundation of how the charges are categorized and prosecuted, which leads to a significant variety in degrees of criminal charges.

No matter the circumstances, simply being accused of unlawful sex with a minor can result in significant and lasting damage to your reputation, relationships, and future prospects – even before a verdict is reached.

Facing charges is one thing, but being convicted on charges of unlawful sex with a minor in Ohio can bring about some significant penalties and consequences.

Depending on the severity of the case, the crime may be categorized as either a first, second, third, or fourth-degree felony. Punishments for a felony conviction can range from six months to ten years of imprisonment, fines between $1,000 and $20,000, or both.

Furthermore, people convicted of unlawful sex with a minor in Ohio may also be required to register as sex offenders. This can have a tremendous impact on the ability to find housing, a job, and many other important parts of life.
The severity of these consequences should highlight how important it is to find qualified legal representation before going before a judge and jury.

In most criminal cases – and especially when facing charges of unlawful sex with a minor – a criminal defense lawyer experienced in these types of cases is an absolutely indispensable ally and advocate.

They can help represent you in court and handle tasks like guiding you through legal procedures and creating a robust defense strategy.

They’ll also analyze your case, and look at every place where the laws can be applied and at discrepancies or loopholes that they may be able to leverage in your favor.
They’re a crucial source of information about the progress and potential outcomes of the jury, and if your case goes to trial, they’ll end up fighting on your behalf.

If you or someone you care about is facing charges of unlawful sex with a minor in Ohio, it’s an incredibly serious situation that shouldn’t be tackled without qualified legal help. It’s crucial to enlist experienced legal counsel immediately to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your case, and Hiltner Trial Lawyers is here to be your advocate.

We take a strategic, aggressive, and client-centric approach to criminal defense, and our legal team has a deep and profound understanding of the Ohio criminal law landscape. Reach out today to start discussing the details of the charges in a confidential environment.