What Are the Types of Felony Sex Offenses in Ohio?

Few felony convictions carry quite the same stigma as a sex offense. Felony sex crime convictions can have significant and life-altering consequences beyond fines and prison time. A conviction can haunt you for years, sometimes the rest of your life, making it challenging to rebuild and move forward.

At the Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc., we want to help you understand which types of sex crimes rise to the level of felony offenses and what you can do to fight back against the charges against you.

An Overview of Ohio Felony Sex Offenses

Several sex crimes fall under the felony category in Ohio. These crimes include:

• Rape – Rape occurs when an individual engages in unwanted sexual conduct with another person, either by force or through the administering of drugs or intoxicants. Sexual conduct with an individual under the age of 13 is also classified as rape under Ohio law. Rape is a felony of the first degree.
• Sexual Battery – Sexual battery is a felony of the third degree in Ohio. The offense involves engaging in sexual conduct with another person by coercion or when the individual knows the other person’s ability to control their own conduct is substantially impaired.
• Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor – An individual 18 and older who has sexual conduct with a minor and knows the minor is 13 years old but less than 16 can face unlawful sexual conduct with a minor charge, a felony of the fourth degree.
• Compelling Prostitution – Compelling a prostitute involves compelling another person to engage in sexual activity for hire. This offense is typically a felony of the third degree. When minors are involved, offenders can potentially face second- and first-degree felony charges.

Other crimes that can potentially be felony sex offenses in Ohio, depending on the circumstances, can include:

• Child pornography
• Gross sexual imposition
• Pandering obscenity

A felony conviction can result in significant fines and prison time. Individuals convicted of certain sexual offenses must register with the state as sex offenders. Sex offenders in Ohio get placed into one of three tiers depending on the severity of the offense. These tiers include:

• Tier I – Sex offenders must register annually for 15 years
• Tier II – Sex offenders must register every 180 days for 25 years
• Tier III – Sex offenders must register every 90 days for life

Those accused of internet and child pornography sex crimes may face state or federal charges. Prosecutors are aggressive when it comes to these types of felony sex crimes, meaning you need responsive representation as soon as possible to help you fight back. A criminal defense attorney with the Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc. does more than protect your legal rights. We can use strategic tactics to guide you through the criminal justice system while building a compelling case that gives you the best opportunity to obtain a favorable outcome for your situation.

Contact an Ohio Defense Attorney Today

Contacting an attorney at the Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc. immediately after an arrest in a sex crimes case can significantly impact your case’s outcome. Do not wait. Seek help from an experienced Ohio criminal defense attorney now. Contact our office today to request a confidential consultation.