Sexual assault and rape are felony offenses under Ohio law. If you have been accused of one of these serious crimes, you need every resource available to help you fight these charges. We can ensure your rights remain protected during police questioning, guide you through the criminal justice process, and build a solid case to prove your innocence or negotiate a plea bargain.
While you do not have to enlist the help of a criminal defense attorney, sexual assault and rape are very serious charges. There is no reason to face them on your own when there is someone available who is familiar with these cases and knows what it takes to win. A sexual assault & rape defense lawyer in Hamilton, OH from The Law Offices of Steven R. Adams, LLC is ready to review your case. Call us today at 513-929-9333 for your no-obligation consultation or to get started right away.
What Are the Penalties for a Hamilton Sexual Assault or Rape Conviction?
Sexual assault crimes cover a lot of territory, from “menacing” to rape. The penalties you will face if convicted vary depending on the severity of the crime, as well as the victim’s age, your criminal history, and other circumstances.
Per Ohio Revised Code § 2907.01, sexual battery on someone over the age of 13 could result in a prison sentence between nine months and three years. Rape of a victim who is at least 13 calls for increased penalties of three to eleven years in prison. If the offender drugs the victim, penalties include a mandatory five-year prison sentence. Fines, probation, and other penalties are also common.
The consequences are even more substantial when the victim is a tween or child. Sexual battery on a victim under 13 years of age calls for two to eight years in prison. When the crime includes rape, offenders face life in prison. If the rape resulted in serious harm to a victim younger than age 13, you could face life in prison without parole if convicted. The rape of a child under 10 years of age also calls for life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Facing this type of charge could lead to losing years of your life. You would lose your job and be away from your family and friends for a significant period. Do not assume that you will win in court just because you are innocent. You need to take aggressive action to clear your name.
Can Getting Help from a Sexual Assault & Rape Defense Lawyer Help Me Avoid Going to Prison?
Even if you know you are falsely accused, facing allegations of such a serious crime is stressful. Having someone on your side who can explain to you what to expect and who will fight aggressively on your behalf can bolster your confidence. We understand the social stigma this type of accusation brings, in addition to the criminal implications.
We cannot promise you a win, but we will work hard to clear your name or at least help you avoid jail time if you committed a lesser crime. We will stand by you every step of the way, building and employing and solid defense strategy on your behalf.
As our founder Steven R. Adams spent time as a prosecutor, we know how Hamilton prosecutors usually pursue this type of case and can use this knowledge to our advantage. While our specific strategy will depend on the details of your case, some of the most common ways we defend our clients against this type of charge include:
Requesting the Prosecution Drop the Charges
Occasionally, we will uncover evidence early on to prove you could not have done what they are accusing you of doing. When this occurs, we may be able to present the evidence to the prosecution and request they drop the charges against you. This saves everyone time and money and is the best possible outcome in this type of case.
Negotiating a Plea Deal
We may be able to negotiate a deal with prosecutors that allows you to significantly reduce or eliminate the time you spend in prison. This requires you to plead guilty and face the penalties for a lesser charge. This is a good option if you admit to wrongdoing but did not commit sexual assault or rape, or if we do not have a strong case proving your innocence.
Representing You in Court
Often, we can reach a deal with prosecutors before your case ever goes to court. However, if you did not commit the crime and want to clear your name, going to court is sometimes the best option. We will present your side of the story and counter the prosecution’s evidence against you. If we can create reasonable doubt about your guilt in the minds of the jurors, they will return a not-guilty verdict.
Negotiating a Reduction in Penalties
If the jury finds you guilty, or if you enter a guilty plea, we can present a strong case to the judge for the minimum penalties available based on your conviction. For example, we may be able to present compelling evidence to the judge that Ohio’s interest in justice will be better served by a more lenient sentence.
Talk to a Sexual Assault & Rape Defense Lawyer in Hamilton, Ohio
Hamilton sexual assault and rape criminal defense attorney Steven R. Adams is ready to help you get a positive conclusion to your case. Along with the rest of the team from The Law Offices of Steven R. Adams, LLC, he will fight to help you get the outcome you deserve. We know how local prosecutors and judges handle this type of case and can use this to our advantage when putting a defense plan together for you.
Are You Looking for a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Cincinnati, OH?
If you are facing criminal charges, you need to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Cincinnati office directly at 513-929-9333 to schedule your free consultation.
