Gounaris Abboud was founded in 2000 to protect the rights of people accused of crimes. Sex offenses in Ohio cover many charges. With over 50 years of collective experience, our Dayton sex crime defense attorneys know the laws surrounding each of these crimes and how to construct a defense to pursue a positive outcome.
Much is at stake when the state prosecutes you for sex crimes. You could lose your freedom and reputation. Furthermore, a conviction could land you on the sex offender registry for decades or even the rest of your life.
We can provide compassionate and aggressive representation regardless of the nature of your charges. Our sex offender attorneys will listen to your side of the story and develop a personalized defense strategy that meets your goals and needs.
Instead of wasting time searching “sex crime lawyer near me”, contact Gounaris Abboud for reliable legal assistance.
Are You Facing Sex Crime in Dayton, OH?
Contact Gounaris Abboud, LPA today to schedule a free consultation with our sex crime attorneys!
Chapter 2907 of the Ohio Revised Code, entitled “Sex Offenses”, defines several crimes involving sexual conduct, contact, or activity, including the following:
Rape charges (ORC § 2907.02) can arise when an individual forces or threatens another into sexual conduct, engages in sexual conduct with a person under 13, or exploits the victim’s compromised mental or physical capacity. This offense typically carries severe penalties, as it is often prosecuted as a first-degree felony.
Sexual battery charges (ORC § 2907.03) can be levied if an individual coerces another into sexual conduct or takes advantage of the victim’s unawareness, impaired consent, mistaken identity, or vulnerable status, such as being a minor.
Punishments vary but may constitute second or third-degree felonies, with potential prison sentences extending up to eight years.
Compelling Prostitution
Compelling prostitution charges (ORC § 2907.21) may be brought against individuals who coerce or traffic others to engage in sexual activities for hire, pay minors for such activities, or solicit sexual services from minors. Penalties, ranging from first- to third-degree felonies, often involve mandatory incarceration, determined by the victim’s age and the offender’s criminal history.
Possession of child pornography (ORC § 2907.322) encompasses soliciting, creating, distributing, or possessing explicit material involving minors. Penalties, which range from second- to fourth-degree felonies, depend on the extent of the defendant’s involvement and the defenses presented by their child pornography defense lawyer.
In Ohio, disseminating matter harmful to juveniles involves knowingly distributing material deemed harmful or inappropriate for minors, intending to appeal to prurient interests, or depicting sexual conduct in an offensive manner.
Importuning
Importuning charges (ORC § 2907.07) may be filed if an individual solicits sexual activity from a child under 13 or engages with a minor aged 13 to 16 while over 18. Typically treated as second- or third-degree felonies, convictions can result in imprisonment for up to eight years.
Gross Sexual Imposition
Gross sexual imposition charges (ORC § 2907.05) may arise if an individual allegedly compels sexual contact with another through force, coercion, intoxication, or when the victim is incapable of resistance or under 13 years old. This offense is considered to be a serious felony under Ohio law and may result in substantial prison sentences upon conviction.
Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor
Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor (ORC § 2907.04) occurs when an adult engages in sexual activity with someone aged between 13 and 15 years old. This offense, prosecuted under Ohio law, carries significant legal ramifications, potentially leading to severe penalties and lifelong consequences for the accused.
Creating, distributing, or possessing obscene material depicting a minor is illegal and carries severe penalties. This includes photographs, videos, and other forms of media. Consult a sex offense attorney immediately if you face such charges.
Internet Crimes
Some charges are centered on the use of telecommunications or electronic devices. For example, importuning charges can be filed for soliciting minors for sex via electronic means, even if the “minor” was an undercover police officer.
Parental Sex Crimes
Prosecutors can charge anyone with sex offenses, including the parents of the victim. Parents aren’t immune from prosecution except in narrow cases, like possessing their child’s nude baby pictures. Serious accusations may require a child molestation defense attorney.
Voyeurism
Under Ohio Code § 2907.08, voyeurism happens when someone trespasses or invades another’s privacy for sexual gratification or to capture images or videos of the person’s private areas. This crime is a misdemeanor unless the victim is a minor.
Public Indecency
Under Ohio Code § 2907.09, public indecency includes acts like indecent exposure and public masturbation. This crime is a misdemeanor for first-time offenders and a felony for repeat offenders. A public indecency lawyer can defend against this broad crime.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
Commercial exploitation of a minor occurs when someone advertises sexual activity for hire using an image of a minor. Notably, the sexual activity doesn’t need to include a minor — simply using a minor’s photo or video is enough.
In Ohio, sex offense penalties vary depending on the nature of the offense and factors such as the age of the victim, the offender’s criminal history, and the specific circumstances of the crime.
Penalties for sex offenses can include incarceration, fines, probation, mandatory sex offender registration, and other court-ordered requirements such as counseling or community service.
Here’s an overview of potential penalties for some common sex offenses in Ohio:
Sex Crime
Degree of Felony
Maximum Imprisonment
Maximum Fine
Rape
First
Life (depending on the age of the victim)
Up to $20,000
Sexual Battery
Third
Up to 36 months
Up to $10,000
Sexual Battery on a Person Under 13 Years
Second
Up to 12 years
Up to $15,000
Gross Sexual Imposition
Fourth
Up to 18 months
Up to $5,000
Pandering Obscenity Involving a Minor
Second
Up to 12 years
Up to $15,000
Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor
Fourth
Up to 18 months
Up to $5,000
Importuning
Third
Up to 36 months
Up to $10,000
Collateral Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction in Dayton
In addition to imprisonment and fines, you could face the following collateral consequences of a sex offense conviction:
Loss of voting rights during your incarceration.
Permanent loss of your firearm ownership rights.
Loss of community standing and reputation due to coverage of your charges.
Ineligibility for certain jobs, such as teaching, coaching, or law enforcement.
Possible loss of public assistance.
Discipline by licensing boards, including suspension or revocation.
Not every offender faces these consequences — they depend on the severity of your charge and whether your offense involved a minor. A sex crimes defense lawyer can explain your risks.
Sex Offender Registration Requirements
In Ohio, individuals convicted of certain sex offenses are required to register as sex offenders. The Ohio Sex Offender Registration and Notification (SORN) Program, governed by Chapter 2950 of the Ohio Revised Code, outlines registration requirements for convicted sex offenders.
Tier I Offenses
These offenses carry the least restrictive sex offender requirements.
Tier I offenses include:
Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor
Voyeurism
Sexual imposition
Illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance
Child enticement with sexual motivation
Pandering obscenity
Menacing by stalking with sexual motivation
Unlawful restraint with sexual motivation
Tier I offenders must register annually for 15 years with the Montgomery County Sheriff.
Tier II Offenses
Requirements for convicted sex offenders increase with each tier.
As such, offenses that qualify as being in tier II include:
Child endangering
Kidnapping with sexual motivation
Abduction with sexual motivation
Compelling prostitution
Pandering obscenity involving a minor
Pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor
Illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance
Gross sexual imposition of a victim under the age of 13
Tier II offenders must register every 180 days for 25 years with the Montgomery County Sheriff.
Tier III Offenses
You have to register four times a year with the Montgomery County Sheriff for life.
Offenses that fall into tier 3 include:
Rape
Sexual battery
Murder with sexual motivation
Unlawful death or termination of pregnancy from committing a felony with sexual motivation
Kidnapping of a minor to engage in sexual activity
Felonious assault with sexual motivation
Attempt or conspiracy to commit these offenses
Tier III offenders must register every 90 days for life.
Failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements can result in criminal charges and additional penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
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An investigation will be launched after the victim reports the alleged offense. Certain professionals, such as doctors, teachers, and therapists, are also required to report suspected sex crimes against children.
The police investigation may include the following:
Interviewing the victim and any witnesses
Gathering electronic evidence, such as text messages
Collecting physical evidence, including DNA
Questioning the suspect
You’re entitled to have a sex crime defense lawyer advise you during the investigation. Depending on the situation, your legal representative may be able to help you avoid an arrest by explaining what happened and presenting exculpatory or mitigating evidence.
Evidence of Sex Crimes in Dayton
Evidence includes any fact that substantiates or refutes a legal assertion. Evidence of sex crimes may consist of anything relevant to proving what occurred, who was involved, and what their mindset was. Examples of evidence used in sex crime prosecutions include:
DNA
Photographic or in-person identification
Admissions of guilt
Communication records
Toxicology tests, if the victim was allegedly incapacitated
You may hear the term “rape kit” during the investigation. Doctors gather forensic evidence, including hair, skin, or bodily fluids, left on the victim. A rape defense attorney will scrutinize the evidence and how it was collected.
The Ohio Criminal Court Process for Sex Crimes in Dayton
The police can arrest you and place you in jail once they have enough evidence for a warrant. To obtain a warrant, the police must have probable cause for believing you committed a crime. The court process typically unfolds within a few days of booking and includes the following steps:
Arraignment, where you’ll plead guilty or not guilty
Bail hearing, where your sex offender defense lawyer can request your release
Release of the prosecution’s evidence to your sex offender attorney
Pretrial motions
Jury trial
Sentencing, if you were convicted
Your sex crimes attorneys will guide you through each stage.
Are You Facing Sex Crime in Dayton, OH?
Contact Gounaris Abboud, LPA today to schedule a free consultation with our sex crime attorneys!
What Are the Possible Defenses Against Sex Offense Charges in Ohio?
In Dayton, Ohio, individuals facing sex offense charges have several potential defenses available to challenge the allegations.
Some common defenses include:
Consent
If the alleged sexual activity was consensual and both parties willingly participated, it may serve as a defense against certain sex offense charges.
False Accusations
Providing evidence to prove misunderstandings, mistaken identity, or malicious intent can be a viable defense strategy.
Lack of Evidence
If there is insufficient evidence to support the charges, the defense may argue for dismissal or acquittal.
Alibi
If the defendant can provide evidence demonstrating that they were elsewhere at the time of the alleged offense, it may serve as a strong defense against the charges.
Mental Incapacity
If the defendant couldn’t understand the activity or consent to it due to intoxication, mental illness, or developmental disabilities, it may be a valid defense.
Statute of Limitations
In some cases, the statute of limitations may have expired, preventing the prosecution from bringing charges for certain alleged offenses.
Police Misconduct or Procedural Errors
If law enforcement officers violate the defendant’s rights, it may lead to the exclusion of evidence or dismissal of the case.
Victim's Credibility
Challenging the credibility of the alleged victim and presenting evidence of inconsistencies can undermine the prosecution’s case.
Entrapment
If law enforcement officers coerced, persuaded, or deceived the defendant into committing the alleged offense, it may constitute entrapment and serve as a defense.
Self-Defense or Defense of Others
If the defendant acted in self-defense or defense of others to prevent harm, it may serve as a defense against certain sex offense charges.
Marriage
Marriage is not a defense to rape or sexual battery. However, it may be a defense to minor offenses like public indecency.
Unfair Criminal Proceedings
You must be afforded your Constitutional rights, such as receiving your Miranda warnings. You have a defense if the police or prosecutors violated your rights.
Affirmative Defenses
An affirmative defense is one where you have the burden of proof. For example, temporary insanity is an affirmative defense.
Your attorney will work with you to develop a personalized defense that could help you avoid conviction or reduce the penalties you face.
How Our Sex Crime Attorneys Can Help You
Our sex crime attorneys are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support and defense strategies tailored to your unique situation. Here’s how we can assist you:
1.
Legal Guidance
We offer legal guidance throughout every stage of your case, ensuring you understand your rights, the charges against you, and the potential consequences.
2.
Strategic Defense
We will meticulously analyze the evidence, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and develop a defense to pursue the best possible outcome.
3.
Case Investigation
We conduct thorough investigations to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and uncover any mitigating factors that could support your defense.
4.
Negotiation
We negotiate with prosecutors to seek reduced charges, plea bargains, or alternative sentencing options, aiming to minimize the impact on your life and future.
5.
Court Representation
Our attorney can present compelling arguments, cross-examine witnesses, and advocate tirelessly on your behalf during hearings and trials.
We also advocate for your interests beyond the courtroom, assisting with matters such as sex offender registration requirements, probation compliance, and post-conviction options.
Why Choose Dayton Sex Crime Lawyers at Gounaris Abboud?
When facing sex crime allegations in Dayton, Ohio, choosing Gounaris Abboud as your legal representation offers numerous advantages:
50+ Years of Experience
We understand the complexities of Ohio's sex crime laws and have a proven track record of success in achieving favorable outcomes for our clients.
Personalized Approach
We recognize that every case is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet the specific needs and circumstances of each client. You can expect personalized attention, compassionate support, and dedicated advocacy from our legal team.
Strategic Defense
Whether through negotiation, litigation, or alternative dispute resolution methods, we work tirelessly to protect your rights and interests.
Client-Centered Approach
At Gounaris Abboud, we prioritize client satisfaction and strive to exceed expectations in every case. We keep our clients informed, involved, and empowered throughout the legal process, ensuring transparency and open communication at all times.
Confidentiality
We understand the sensitive nature of sex crime cases and handle every matter with the utmost discretion and confidentiality. You can trust that your privacy will be respected.
I found Gounaris and Abboud through good online reviews. Mr. Abboud handled my cases very professionally for two years. He truly takes his cases to heart and cares about his clients. He keeps you informed and has all the answers to all your questions. You really feel safe with Mr. Abboud as your lawyer. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing professional family law representation.
Patty M.
5
They did absolutely everything possible to help reduce the sentence and charges faced. The fees for their services were worth every cent and superior to any public defendant representation. They both put their hearts into their work and care like nobody else I have ever encountered in the legal system.
Melinda Q.
5
Attorney Nick Gounaris handled my case and he did a wonderful job. I am very pleased with this law firm. I have never been in the situation I found myself in ever before and it was scary and confusing, but Nick and his staff were wonderful with answering my many questions and they were very sympathetic and understanding, always quick to respond when I would call. I am happy with the outcome of my case. If you find yourself in a situation that needs legal help, these are the guys to call!
Melinda Q.
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I thought I was in a no win situation until I met these gentleman. They are smart, aggressive, dedicated, connected and CAN GET THE JOB DONE.
James O.
5
They did absolutely everything possible to help reduce the sentence and charges faced. They both put their heart into their work and care like nobody else.
Karis F.
5
I have never been in the situation I found myself in ever before and it was scary and confusing, but Nick and his staff were wonderful with answering my questions.
Melinda Q.
Contact Our Criminal Defense Lawyers Today
Ready to defend your rights? Contact our experienced Dayton sex crime lawyers today for personalized legal guidance and strategic defense representation.
Can a conviction for a sex offense be expunged from my criminal record in Ohio?
In Ohio, expungement, also known as sealing of records, is available for certain criminal offenses, including some sex offenses. However, whether a conviction for a sex offense can be expunged depends on various factors, including the specific offense, the individual’s criminal history, and the amount of time that has passed since the conviction.
Can a minor be charged with a sex offense in Ohio?
Yes, a minor can be charged with a sex offense in Ohio if they engage in sexual activity that violates Ohio’s laws regarding the age of consent or other sex-related offenses. However, the legal system may handle cases involving juvenile offenders differently, often focusing on rehabilitation and intervention rather than punitive measures.
Is Ohio strict on sex offenders?
Ohio requires registered sex offenders to periodically verify and immediately report any changes in their information. Registry violations are felonies for which you may need sex offenders lawyers near me.
Where are sex offenders not allowed to go in Ohio?
Sex offenders cannot live within 1,000 feet of a school, daycare, or preschool. Offenders also aren’t allowed to volunteer for groups or activities involving contact with children.
Do sex offenders lose parental rights in Ohio?
Sex offenders don’t lose their parental rights. However, someone convicted of rape or sexual battery cannot gain parental rights over a child conceived during the offense under ORC 3109.504.
Useful Resources for Sex Crime Offenders
As you prepare for a meeting with a sex crimes defense lawyer to discuss your defenses, consider researching the law and the consequences you may face upon conviction. Here are some potentially useful resources:
Chapter 2907 of the Ohio Revised Code contains the crimes defined by the state as “Sex Offenses”, including the defenses a sex offender lawyer near me may raise.
This hospital provides outpatient mental health services. You can check to see whether it offers the specific court-ordered sex offender or substance use treatment you need.
