UNLAWFUL SEXUAL CONDUCT ATTORNEYS IN COLUMBUS, OHIO

According to statistics from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, there were 5,731 reported rape incidents in Ohio in 2019. Under Ohio law, it is an offense for an adult to engage in any sexual activity with a minor, even if it was consensual.

A criminal conviction for unlawful sexual conduct with a minor could potentially result in devastating consequences to your personal reputation, your quality of life, and your entire future. You may have to register as a sex offender in the state of Ohio if convicted. 

If you have been arrested and charged with unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, it is imperative that you retain a highly-skilled and aggressive Ohio criminal defense attorney to help build your defense. The trusted attorneys at Wolfe & Mote Law Group, LLC have devoted their careers to handling criminal cases and defending clients wrongfully accused of unlawful sexual conduct and other sex-related crimes.

Attorney Stephen Wolfe and his team can investigate the surrounding facts of your unique situation and strategize a strong defense in pursuit of the most favorable outcome for your case. Using their extensive knowledge, they will fight vigorously to defend your legal rights and make sure you’re given fair treatment in every phase of the legal process. Wolfe & Mote Law Group, LLC proudly represents clients across Columbus, Ohio, and surrounding areas of Dublin, Hilliard, Gahanna, Westerville, Delaware County, and Fairfield County.

Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor in Ohio

Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor—also known as statutory rape—involves engaging in any sexual activity or conduct with a child. In the state of Ohio, it is illegal for an adult to engage in sexual activity with a minor, irrespective of whether the sexual activity was consensual. According to Ohio law:

“No person who is eighteen years of age or older shall engage in sexual conduct with another, who is not the spouse of the offender, when the offender knows the other person is thirteen years of age or older but less than sixteen years of age, or the offender is reckless in that regard.”

Any person who violates the above statute is guilty of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. An experienced attorney can enlighten you about the possible penalties and help build your defense strategy.

Possible Penalties

The ramifications of a criminal conviction for a sex-related offense that involves a minor can be devastating. If convicted of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor in Ohio, the potential penalties and consequences may include:

• Significant time in prison (ranging from months to years)

• Massive fines

• A criminal record

• Restitution to the victim

• Registration as a sex offender

• Increased difficulty in securing employment opportunities or housing

• Inability to enroll in certain educational institutions

• Loss of your rights to own, carry, or possess a firearm or gun

• Inability to receive government assistance or public benefits

• Loss of personal freedom and social prospects

If you or someone you know has recently been arrested or indicted for unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, you need to reach out to a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer immediately. Your attorney can investigate every detail of your case and determine your best defenses to help you avoid the severe consequences of a criminal conviction.

Possible Defenses

If you’re facing unlawful sexual conduct accusations, your attorney can fight your charges using any of the following defenses:

• False accusations

• Innocence 

• Alibi

• No knowledge that the victim was a minor

• Good faith belief of age

• Entrapment

• Insanity

• Lack of DNA evidence

• Unable to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the alleged crime occurred

A skilled Ohio sex crimes defense attorney can review and investigate your case thoroughly and strategize an effective defense to maximize your chances of the best possible outcome.

How Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help

Defending your unlawful sexual conduct charges without experienced representation could easily increase your risks of suffering the maximum penalties. If convicted, you could be facing a lengthy prison sentence, hefty fines, a criminal record, registration as a sex offender, and other life-altering ramifications. Therefore, if you’re under investigation for unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, retaining a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney is crucial to help strategize your defense.

Attorney Stephen Wolfe and his team possess the resources and diligence to defend and represent clients facing unlawful sexual conduct charges. As your legal counsel, they will work to understand your unique situation to improve the chances of achieving the best possible outcome. You deserve a chance to move forward.