Sexual assault, rape, and other sex crimes are serious offenses. Not only could you face significant legal consequences, but this type of allegation can also affect almost every relationship you have — from your marriage to your job to the neighborhood in which you live. You do not want to try to defend yourself against this type of accusation on your own.
A sexual assault and rape defense lawyer in Mason, OH from The Law Offices of Steven R. Adams, LLC knows what prosecutors must do to convict you of this type of charge, and we will fight aggressively to try to prevent them from doing so. If police allege that you or a family member committed a sex offense in Mason, call us as soon as possible at 513-929-9333. We can go to work immediately, protecting your rights during questioning, your arraignment, and during your case.
Understanding the Serious Nature of Sex Offense Charges in Mason
Because of the nature of sex offenses and the damage they can do to victims, Ohio law takes them very seriously. If convicted, you will likely receive significant penalties that include:
- Jail or prison time
- Probation
- Fines
Possible Penalties After a Mason Sexual Assault or Rape Conviction
Ohio lawmakers understand the devastating effects sex crimes can have on the victims and treat them as serious offenses. The associated penalties depend on several factors, including:
- The nature of the crime
- The age of the victim
- Your criminal history
- The specific facts of your case
The penalties associated with rape or sexual assault are in Ohio Revised Code § 2907.01. According to this statute:
- Sexual battery on a victim over 13 could mean a prison sentence of nine to 36 months
- Rape of a victim over the age of 13 could mean three to 11 years in prison
- There is a mandatory minimum five-year sentence for anyone who drugs a victim to assault or rape them
When the victim is under 13, the penalties increase. This includes:
- Rape of a victim under the age of 13 could mean life in prison
- Rape of a victim under the age of 13 that causes serious injuries could mean life in prison without parole
- Rape of a child under the age of 10 could also result in life in prison without the possibility of parole
In addition to jail time, you may also face fines and probation. You may also have to put your name on the Ohio sex offender registry. This will brand you as a sex offender, and it will be public knowledge for your neighbors and friends to see. You could even have limits on how close you can live to schools, community centers, parks, and other areas.
Building Your Mason, Ohio Defense Strategy Against Sexual Offense Allegations
We often work with clients in Mason, so we know many of the judges and prosecutors in the area. We understand the types of cases they build against those they accuse and the kind of evidence we may need to counter their arguments. All of this plays a crucial role in helping us put together a defense strategy to help us get a more favorable outcome in your case.
No two cases are the same, and this means no two defenses are exactly the same either. However, we commonly use some of the same strategies in this type of case. Some ways we can help you get a more favorable outcome may include:
Convincing Prosecutors to Drop the Charges
In some cases, we can convince prosecutors to not file charges against you or to drop the charges they filed. This is possible by presenting evidence that you could not have committed the crime, or by having the judge throw out key evidence in their case.
Negotiating a Plea Deal
Sometimes, our best option in these cases is to try to negotiate a plea deal with prosecutors. This allows us to better control your sentence, something we could not do if we went to trial and risked a conviction. In a plea deal, you enter a guilty plea to a lesser charge in exchange for a reduced sentence.
Going to Trial
We generally consider going to trial a last resort because it is expensive and time consuming. However, in some cases, it is the best option to clear your name. In your trial, we will aggressively represent you to the judge and jury and argue in favor of a not guilty verdict.
Negotiating Reduced Penalties
In some cases, the best option for reducing the penalties you face may be to focus our efforts on negotiating reduced penalties. This is especially useful if the prosecution has substantial evidence against you, and our attempts to negotiate a plea deal are unsuccessful.
Appealing a Previous Conviction for Sexual Assault or Rape
If the state already convicted you of sexual assault or rape, we can review your case to determine whether an appeal may be viable. Our team not only handles criminal defense during your trial, but we can also work with you to appeal a previous conviction if the facts of your case support it.
Talk to a Sexual Assault & Rape Defense Lawyer in Mason, OH, Today
Mason criminal defense attorney Steven R. Adams will help you fight false or exaggerated claims and can build a strong defense in your Mason sex offense case. Our criminal defense team at the Law Offices of Steven R. Adams, LLC can answer your questions and address any concerns about your situation or the Ohio criminal justice process. We offer compassionate support and guidance and will walk with you through this entire process.
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.