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What Are the Ohio Pornography Laws?

Updated: November 20, 2023
Nicholas G. Gounaris
By Nicholas G. Gounaris
Lawyer

Nicholas G. Gounaris is a skilled trial lawyer and founding partner of Gounaris Abboud law firm. He provides clients of the firm with competent legal representation and focuses his law practice in the areas of DUI Defense, Criminal Defense, Family Law Issues, Federal Criminal Law and Personal Injury cases.

WHAT ARE THE OHIO PORNOGRAPHY LAWS?

The United States Constitution and Ohio laws provide citizens with a great deal of freedom and privacy.

However, all these rights are tempered by restrictions aimed at protecting minors from abuse and exploitation. As a result, there are pornography laws. Let’s take a look at Ohio laws of pornography to better understand these restrictions.

Is Watching Porn Illegal in Ohio Always?

Pornography, otherwise known as porn, generally involves viewing sexual acts for sexual pleasure.

Watching pornography is not always illegal. In fact, Ohio recognizes that adults have the right to view pornographic images and in many ways does not interfere with this right.

However, there are some restrictions. When law enforcement believes that a person violated the Ohio pornography laws, they will arrest them, the government will prosecute them, and the accused will need our veteran criminal defense firm.

What Types of Pornography Do Ohio Porn Laws Restrict?

In an effort to protect children from abuse and exploitation, Ohio pornography laws heavily address child pornography.

The Ohio Laws and Administrative Rules make it illegal to:

  • Produce
  • Transport
  • Share
  • Receive
  • Possess (view, own) child pornography

Under Ohio laws of pornography, a child or minor is anyone under 18 years of age. It is important to note that viewing child pornography includes watching it in person, through the internet, on mobile devices, and via hard copy pictures.

If you are concerned about whether something you have viewed is illegal, it is important to contact our criminal defense firm. We have sex crime experience and understand how Ohio courts have interpreted the Ohio porn laws.

Our attorneys can discuss the specifics of your individual situation. If the criminal defense is needed, we will work to get you the best result possible.

Is Violating Pornography Laws a Serious Offense?

Violation of Ohio porn laws can result in a felony conviction and a mandatory registration as a sex offender. Images of child pornography are not considered protected speech by the Constitution.

In addition, child pornography is an offense for which there is strict liability, meaning that it is irrelevant whether the watcher knew the person they were viewing was a minor.

Therefore, when faced with any type of crime that has even a tenuous connection to child pornography, it is critical that the accused hire an exceptional child pornography lawyer.

At Gounaris Abboud, our attorneys are not here to judge. Instead, they will work hard to defend you and protect your rights.

Gounaris Abboud, LPA: A Leading Ohio Criminal Defense Firm

Our firm is led by award-winning criminal defense attorneys. We take pride in the fact that we consistently provide top-notch representation and leave our clients highly satisfied with our service.

To speak to an attorney for a free, no-obligation consultation, please contact us online or by calling 937-222-1515. Our goal is to protect you, and we are prepared to handle cases in Dayton and throughout Ohio. Don’t wait — get in touch with our legal team now.

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