Columbus Sex Crimes Attorneys

At Luftman, Heck, & Associates, we have years of experience representing individuals who have been accused of various sex crimes, from a misdemeanor solicitation charge to rape. We know how prosecutors try to look tough on crime and will pin charges on the most convenient suspect. We are here to thoroughly investigate your claim, find the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and build you the strongest defense available under the law.

To learn more about how one of our nearby sex crime attorneys can help you, call us at (614) 500-3836 to schedule an initial consultation.

Some of the most common sex offenses brought in Ohio include:

• Rape – It is illegal for you to engage in sexual conduct with another person through force or the threat of force. It is also illegal to engage in sexual conduct with another when you have substantially impaired the victim’s judgement or control through drugs or alcohol by force, threats or deception; the victim is younger than 13 years; or the victim’s ability to resist or consent is impaired due to a physical or mental condition. Rape is a first-degree felony, the punishment for which varies depending on the circumstances. If you have been accused of rape, contact a sex crime attorney immediately. (ORC §2907.02)
• Sexual Battery – It is unlawful for you to engage in sexual conduct with another person through coercion that would prevent resistance by an average person; when you know the victim is substantially impaired; when you know the other person is unaware of what is going on; or you are in a position of authority over the victim. Sexual battery is a third-degree felony, unless the victim is a minor, and then it is a second-degree felony. (ORC §2907.03)
• Gross Sexual Imposition – Ohio law prohibits you from having sexual contact with other people through force or the threat of force; by intentionally substantially impairing the victim’s resistance, judgement, or control through drugs or alcohol; when you know the victim’s judgement or control is substantially impaired due to drugs or an intoxicant administered because of medical care; when the victim is younger than 13; or when the victim is unable to resist or consent due to a mental or physical condition. Gross sexual imposition is a fourth- or third-degree felony. While a sexual battery, sexual imposition, or gross sexual imposition charge is less serious than rape, you will need a sex crime lawyer to aggressively defend you. (ORC §2907.05)
• Online Solicitation of a Minor (Importuning) – it is unlawful for you to solicit a minor younger than 13 years old to engage in sexual activity, whether or not you know the minor’s real age. It is illegal for you, when you are over 18 years old, to solicit a person who is younger than 16 years, and more than four years younger than you, to engage in sexual activity, whether or not you know the other person’s exact age. It is also illegal to conduct these solicitations through the use of any telecommunications device, such as a phone or computer. Online solicitation of minors is a felony, the exact level of which depends on the circumstances. If you have been charged with any online sex offense, contact a sex crime lawyer to discuss your options and the potential consequences of a conviction. (ORC §2907.07)
• Voyeurism – It is illegal to trespass, invade another person’s privacy, spy, or eavesdrop for the purpose of sexual arousal or self-gratification; film, photograph, or otherwise record another person who is nude for sexual arousal or self-gratification; or film, photograph, or otherwise record a person under their clothing to view their undergarments. Depending on the situation, voyeurism may be a third-, second-, or first-degree misdemeanor. However, if the victim is a minor, it may be a fifth-degree felony. (ORC §2907.08)
• Public Indecency – Ohio law prohibits you from recklessly and publically exposing your private parts, engaging in sexual conduct or masturbation, or engaging in conduct that would appear to an ordinary person as sexual. It is also illegal to knowingly expose your private parts for the purpose of arousal, gratification, or to lure minors, to engage in masturbation or sexual conduct, or to engage in conduct that appears to be sexual in public. In most situations, public indecency is charged as a fourth-degree misdemeanor. However, if you have a previous conviction or minors were involved, it will be a higher misdemeanor charge. When facing a misdemeanor sex offense in Ohio, your best course of action is to hire a sex crime attorney to defend you and prevent harsh repercussions. (ORC §2907.09)
• Solicitation – You are prohibited from soliciting another person to engage in sexual activity for hire. The charge you face for soliciting prostitution depends on the circumstances. It is at least a third-degree misdemeanor. If the individual solicited is a minor has a developmental disability, then it is a felony. (ORC §2907.24)
• Prostitution – It is illegal to engage in sexual activity for hire. You will be charged with a third-degree misdemeanor for prostitution. If you are accused of engaging in prostitution in any way, particularly if you are HIV positive, call a sex crime lawyer from Luftman, Heck & Associates immediately. (ORC §2907.25)

A minor who is caught creating, possessing, or sending videos or pictures that involve one or more minors who are nude or engaging in sexual activity may be guilty of a child pornography crime. Ohio’s child pornography law, §2907.321 (pandering obscenity involving a minor), states you are prohibited from creating, reproducing, or publishing any obscene materials that has one or more minors portrayed as participants or observers. You cannot promote, sell, deliver, disseminate, or display obscene materials that include minors. You also cannot buy, obtain, possess, or control any child pornography. This is a felony conviction that can require sex offender registration.

It does not matter if the minor who made the photo or video, possessed it, or sent it is the one depicted. It does not matter if the photo was created, received, or sent with consent. It also does not matter if the creator and recipient were both minors. Unfortunately, this means consensual sexual activity between teenagers can lead to felony child pornography charges.

If you or your adolescent are facing serious child pornography charges because of sexting, call our sex crime attorneys right away. Teenagers who are exploring their sexuality will make mistakes. You or your child do not deserve a felony conviction and sex offender registration for a nude photo.

If you are convicted of a sex offense, the potential penalties depend on the level of the charge.

• Fourth-degree misdemeanor: Up to 30 days in jail and a fine up to $250
• Third-degree misdemeanor: Up to 60 days in jail and a fine up to $500
• Second-degree misdemeanor: Up to 90 days in jail and a fine up to $750
• First-degree misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in jail and a fine up to $1,000
• Fifth-degree felony: Up to 12 months in prison and a fine up to $2,500
• Fourth-degree felony: Up to 18 months in prison and a fine up to $5,000
• Third-degree felony: Up to 5 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000
• Second-degree felony: Up to 8 years in prison and a fine up to $15,000
• First-degree felony: Up to 11 years in prison, unless a longer imprisonment is allowed by a specific statute, and a fine up to $20,000

Whether you have been charged with a low-level misdemeanor or a serious felony for a sex offense, you need to aggressively defend yourself in court. The best way to avoid a harsh punishment and secondary consequences is to avoid a conviction. Call our sex crime lawyers for help today.

While many sex crimes are prosecuted under Ohio law, certain cases fall under federal jurisdiction, especially when the alleged conduct involves crossing state lines, online communication, or occurs on federal property like military bases or national parks.

Common federal sex crimes include:

• Human and child sex trafficking
• Viewing or distributing child pornography online
• Transporting individuals for illegal sexual activity
• Traveling for sex with a minor (“sex tourism”)
• Online enticement or solicitation across state lines

Federal sex crime convictions can lead to extremely severe penalties, including decades in prison, fines exceeding $250,000, and lifetime registration as a sex offender at the federal and state levels.

If you are under investigation or charged with a sex crime involving federal agencies or interstate activity, you need an experienced Ohio federal sex crimes attorney who understands how to fight federal charges.

Contact a Columbus Sex Crime Lawyer for Help

A sex offense, even if it is a misdemeanor, is too serious to try and handle yourself or trust to an over-worked and stressed public defender. You need a knowledgeable and experienced sex crime attorney by your side, tenaciously protecting your rights and advocating for your best interests.

At Luftman, Heck & Associates, we will thoroughly investigate the accusations against you and gather evidence that supports your defense. We have represented many individuals charged with sex offenses and have achieved successful outcomes. Whether you wish to negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecution or seek to win an acquittal at trial, we are here for you.

For over a decade, the Columbus sex crime lawyers at LHA have successfully represented clients on criminal offenses ranging from minor misdemeanors to first-degree felonies. That extensive previous experience will enable us to better help you.

Talk to a Columbus Sex Crimes Lawyer Today

If you have any questions about the material or if you need an experienced, competent attorney, call the Columbus criminal defense attorneys at Luftman, Heck & Associates at (614) 500-3836.