Sex Crime Lawyers In Delaware, OH

More than any other crime, being accused of a sex crime can be devastating to your reputation, relationships, and employment or job prospects. Sexual offenses are vigorously prosecuted by law enforcement, and violation of Ohio’s sex crimes laws carries serious repercussions.

If you have been charged with a sex crime, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side. Due to the life-altering legal consequences that are involved, it is in your best interest to retain a criminal defense attorney who has the experience and knowledge to successfully fight sex crime charges. At The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc., you will find the local Delaware, Ohio criminal defense lawyer you need to protect your rights.

What Is a Sex Crime?

What Are Some Common Delaware, Ohio, Sex Crimes?

Rape
Public exposure
Public indecency
Prostitution
Sexual battery
Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor

What Are the Levels of Sex Crimes in Ohio?

Under Ohio law, there are three levels of sexual registration: Tier I, II, or III. The tier depends on the nature of the offense. Tier III is the most restrictive and includes the most serious offenses, such as rape. It requires an offender to register with the state every 90 days for the rest of their life. Tier II requires registration every 180 days for 25 years. This tier includes compelling prostitution and kidnapping with sexual motivation. Tier I is the least restrictive tier, but it still carries life-altering requirements for registrants in that it requires registration for up to 15 years.

Why Do You Need an Attorney When You Are Charged with Sex Crimes?

After being charged with a sex crime, you need a legal advocate on your side to help clear your name or minimize the potential consequences. Although you may be anxious to tell the police your side of the story, officers could question you in such a way that the whole story doesn’t come out or manipulate you into admitting something about the case that did not occur. Because of the seriousness a potential conviction can have, be sure to speak to a sex crimes lawyer in Delaware, Ohio, as soon as possible after you are charged so you do not risk saying something outside the presence of your lawyer.

The criminal defense attorneys at The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc. are well-equipped to handle your case. We will assist in all aspects of your case and tailor a criminal defense strategy based on your specific needs as we pursue your best outcome.

How Does an Attorney Build Your Defense?

Because the prosecution has extensive resources, you need an attorney who will build a robust defense against the charges you are facing. We will thoroughly analyze the facts and circumstances of your case to determine whether any legal or factual defenses exist that can be used at trial or in a motion to suppress evidence. Some examples of effective defenses to sex crime charges include unlawful searches, defective search warrants, chain of custody issues, and forced confessions. We will review the police report, any physical evidence, and witness statements in detail. We may request documents to support your defenses or hire an investigator to learn more about your case.

After gathering all available information, reviewing the evidence, and fully evaluating your case, we will advise you about the strength of your defenses and legal options. If the prosecutor is missing an element of the alleged crime and cannot prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt, we may advise you to go to trial so you can avoid all consequences of a sex crime conviction. At The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc., we understand that facing sex crime charges can be overwhelming and that you may have many questions. We are here to guide you through the process, answer all your questions, and pursue the best outcome in your case.

Should You Take a Plea Deal if You Are Accused of Sex Crime?

In many sex crime cases, there is a high probability of the prosecutor offering you a plea deal. While this initially may sound appealing, any sex crime conviction, even one downgraded from other charges, can carry lifelong consequences. Before a prosecutor offers to downgrade your charges to avoid a specific penalty and prevent the risk of trial and more severe penalties, speak to a Delaware, Ohio, sex crimes lawyer to better understand your legal rights and the potential repercussions of taking a plea deal.

For example, if you are accused of rape, you could set in jail for months if you are unable to pay bail. If you hire our firm, we will go to work for you immediately. We might hire a private investigator to interview the alleged victim. Depending on what the individual says, we may be able to get the charges dropped. This example highlights the urgency with which you should seek legal counsel after sex crime charges. Before you accept a plea deal, retain a lawyer to pursue your best outcome.

Contact a Sex Crimes Lawyer in Delaware, Ohio, Today

If you are accused of a sex crime in Ohio, your first step is to contact a criminal defense attorney. At The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc., we have seen how unfounded allegations ruin someone’s life. Even if charges are dropped or there is an acquittal, the stain on their reputation remains for years. We help our clients avoid this worst-case scenario. Although past results do not guarantee future success, our case results speak for themselves. Contact us today to speak to a lawyer in a free case consultation.