Willoughby Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor Lawyer

Unlawful Sexual Conduct With Minor

Sex crime cases involving minors can be uncomfortable matters for all parties implicated. Since crimes against minors are highly scrutinized and controversial, the state of Ohio aggressively investigates and prosecutes Unlawful Sexual Conduct With Minor cases. In order to protect your livelihood and freedom, a strong defense is necessary in fighting an accusation of this weight.

Unlawful Sexual Conduct With Minor Attorney in Willoughby

If you are facing Unlawful Sexual Conduct With Minor in Ohio, it is highly recommended to hire a criminal defense attorney with experience in defending sex offenses. The consequences of a sex crime conviction can be severe and long-lasting, including imprisonment, hefty fines, registration as a sex offender, and damage to your personal and professional reputation.

A criminal defense attorney from Fortress Law Group can help you understand the charges against you, explain the legal process, and advise you on the best course of action. Sex crime cases are complex, and the laws surrounding them can be intricate. Fortress Law Group is here to help you navigate the legal system while providing the utmost support and compassion.

How is Unlawful Sexual Conduct With Minor Defined in Ohio?

In the state of Ohio, Unlawful Sexual Conduct With Minor is committed when a person over the age of 18 knowingly or recklessly engages in sexual conduct with another person who is between 13 to 16 years old. Sexual conduct means that vaginal, anal, or oral penetration took place.

This offense is similar to Rape, in that sexual conduct, or penetration, illegally takes place. However, the circumstance that differentiates Rape and Unlawful Sexual Conduct With Minor have to do with the age of the victim. If this act was committed against a victim under the age of 13, the offender would be charged with Rape, but if the victim is over 13 and less than 16, the offender would be charged with Unlawful Sexual Conduct With Minor.

Unlawful Sexual Conduct With Minor Penalties in Ohio

Unlawful Sexual Conduct With Minor is charged as a 4^th degree felony in Ohio, which carries a prison term of 6 to 18 months and up to $5,000 in fines. Additionally, those convicted of Unlawful Sexual Conduct With Minor in Ohio are consequently required to register as a sex offender. Felony 4 violators are required to register as Tier II sex offenders and must register every 180 days for 25 years.

There are a few circumstances that could change the way a defendant is charged with Unlawful Sexual Conduct With Minor:

• If the offender is less than 4 years older than the victim, the charge is a 1^st degree misdemeanor. M1 violators face up to 6 months in jail, up to $1,000 in fines, and must register as a Tier I sex offender once a year for 15 years.
• If the offender is more than 10 years older than the victim, the charge escalates to a 3^rd degree felony. F3 violators face a prison term of 9 months to 3 years, fines up to $10,000, and the requirement to register as a Tier III sex offender every 90 days for the rest of their life.

If the offender has been previously convicted of or pleaded guilty to Rape, Sexual Battery, or Unlawful Sexual Conduct With Minor, the charge is a 2^nd degree felony. F2 offenders face a prison term of 2 to 8 years, up to $15,000 in fines, and Tier III sex offender registration.