Experienced Sex Crime Defense Lawyers In Southwest Ohio
Facing sex crime charges can be one of the most challenging experiences of your life. These charges carry a heavy stigma. A conviction can lead to serious consequences, including prison time and mandatory sex offender registration. What’s more, a conviction can follow you for life, affecting your reputation, employment prospects, housing options and more. Now is the time to protect yourself with skilled legal representation.
At Hurley Law, LLC, we can stand by you throughout the legal process. We provide knowledgeable criminal defense services in Middletown and Cincinnati, and throughout Southwest Ohio. With over 130 years of combined experience, our lawyers are dedicated to making a difference. We take pride in our client-centered approach and will tailor our strategies to the unique demands of your case.
How Are Sex Crimes Legally Defined In Southwest Ohio?
Broadly speaking, a sex crime is any illegal act that involves nonconsensual sexual conduct. Sex crimes encompass a range of offenses under both state and federal laws that vary in severity. Many are felony offenses, however, and all are taken seriously by prosecutors, courts and law enforcement.
Here are some types of sex crimes:
- Rape
- Sexual battery
- Sexual imposition
- Gross sexual imposition
- Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor (statutory rape)
- Importuning (soliciting a minor)
- Indecent exposure
- Voyeurism
- Child pornography-related charges
- Prostitution-related charges
Almost all of these offenses are felonies.
How Are Sex Offenses Penalized In Ohio?
Ohio imposes severe penalties for sex crime convictions. These penalties often include lengthy prison sentences, hefty fines and mandatory sex offender registration. Federal offenses come with mandatory minimum prison terms, which means the judge must impose a minimum prison sentence for a conviction, regardless of any mitigating circumstances. Additionally, those convicted of sex crimes often face protection orders (restraining orders) and restrictions on where they can live and work, particularly in domestic violence situations.
Sex offender registration is a serious consequence of almost any sex-related crime. Ohio classifies sex offenders into three tiers based on the severity of their crimes, each with distinct registration requirements:
- Tier I offenders, often associated with less severe offenses, must register annually for 15 years.
- Tier II offenders who were convicted of more severe crimes face semiannual registration for 25 years.
- Tier III offenders, linked to the most severe offenses, must register every 90 days for life.
These tiers dictate not only the frequency of registration but also the impact on an individual’s ability to find housing and employment.
As you can see, the severity of these penalties highlights the importance of having a dedicated sex crimes lawyer on your side. Our attorneys are well-versed in the criminal justice system and are committed to protecting your rights.
Contact An Aggressive Sex Crime Defense Attorney Today
If you’re facing sex crime charges or are under investigation for a sex offense, your future may hang in the balance. Contact our sex crimes lawyers at Hurley Law to discuss your rights and options. Call 513-318-9893 or send us an email to arrange a confidential consultation.