Federal Aggravated Sexual Abuse Charges in Ohio

When you are facing charges for a sex crime, your life can change regardless of whether you are convicted or not. Most charges for sex crimes like rape and sexual assault are brought by the state where a crime occurred, but there are some instances where sex crimes can lead to federal charges. Federal sex crime charges, especially those for aggravated sexual abuse, are extremely serious and could lead to life in prison.

What Makes Aggravated Sexual Abuse A Federal Crime?

A sex offense can lead to federal charges either due to the location of the crime or because of actions taken in relation to the crime. Generally, a federal aggravated sex abuse charge can be brought if the act occurred within areas of special jurisdiction of the United States defined by statute or if it occurred in a federal prison or detention area. Aggravated sexual abuse is also a federal crime if someone crosses state lines for the purpose of engaging in a sexual act with a person who has not attained the age of 12 years.

What is Federal Aggravated Sexual Abuse?

If the crime falls under United States jurisdiction, federal law describes three separate instances where an act would be considered aggravated sexual abuse: by force or threat, by other means, or with children.

By Force or Threat – Knowingly causing another person to engage in a sexual act by:

• Using force against the person; or
• Threatening or placing that other person in fear that any person will be subjected to death, serious bodily injury, or kidnapping

By Other Means – Knowingly rendering a person unconscious and engaging in a sexual act with that person; or knowingly administering a drug by threat or without the other person’s knowledge that impairs the ability of the other person to appraise or control conduct and then engaging in a sexual act with that person.

With Children – Knowingly engaging in a sexual act with a person who has not reached the age of 12; or knowingly engaging in a sexual act by force or threat or by other means with a person who is older than 12 but has not reached the age of 16 years if that person is at least 4 years younger.

It would not be necessary to prove that the defendant knew the other person engaging in the act had not reached the age of 12. The federal laws provide that attempting the crime described would also be considered aggravated sexual abuse.

The Penalties For Aggravated Sexual Abuse

Federal crimes are punished more severely than state crimes, and the punishments for a federal aggravated sexual abuse charge could change your life forever. The prison sentence for abuse by force, threat or other means could be set for any term up to life in prison. When the abuse is with children, the prison sentence is a minimum of 30 years with a maximum of life in prison. If someone has a prior conviction for aggravated sexual abuse with children or a similar state sex offense, there is a mandatory sentence of life in prison. The financial consequences of aggravated sexual abuse are also substantial, with a fine of up to $250,000 and mandatory restitution for the full amount of the victim’s losses.

Let a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Help

If you are facing federal aggravated sexual abuse charges, your future hangs in the balance. You need an experienced attorney that you can trust. The Ohio federal criminal defense lawyers at Luftman, Heck & Associates have years of experience handling federal cases and reaching the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Call an Ohio federal crime lawyer today for a free consultation. Contact us at (614) 500-3836 or email us via advice@columbuscriminalattorney.com.

Being investigated on federal sex charges? Contact us.

If you have been charged with a federal crime like aggravated sexual assault in Ohio, you’re probably wondering what your options are. The Ohio federal criminal defense lawyers at Luftman, Heck & Associates have years of experience handling these types of cases and winning optimal outcomes for our clients. Call an Ohio federal criminal defense lawyer today for a free consultation. Contact us at (614) 500-3836 or email us via advice@columbuscriminalattorney.com.