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Cincinnati Rape Defense Lawyer

Rape allegations require serious representation. Call LHA at (513) 338-1890 to schedule a free consultation.

Are you facing rape charges in Ohio? Rape is one of the most serious criminal charges that you can face in Ohio. Rape cases are complex and sensitive, emotionally trying situations for all parties involved. If you’ve been accused of rape in Ohio or Northern Kentucky, don’t delay contact a qualified Cincinnati rape defense lawyer from LHA today.

Generally, rape is when someone participates in any kind of sexual conduct or behavior that is against another person’s will through the use of violence, fear, duress or danger. Rape is a non-consensual act of sex, meaning that if the victim is unconscious or mentally impaired and unable to give their consent to the act being performed, they can claim that they were raped. A rape conviction is considered a felony in Ohio and carries devastating, life-altering penalties and consequences as a result. In addition to extensive prison time or life in prison, you will also face having to register as a sex offender. A rape conviction will permanently be on your criminal background and you will face difficulty keeping and finding a job, continuing your education and maintaining custody of your children. Living a normal life will be challenging, if not impossible.

How is Rape Defined in Ohio?

Rape is defined according to the Ohio Revised Code (ORC 2907.02) as anyone who participates in sexual behavior with another individual by forcing him or her or threatening the use of force.

Additionally, rape can be defined as anyone who engages in sexual behavior with another individual who is not their spouse or is their spouse but does not live with them if any of the following circumstances are applicable:

  • They significantly impair the victim’s judgment or control of a situation in order to prevent resistance by providing them with drugs, alcohol, or another intoxicating substance by the use of deception, force or threat of force;
  • The victim is under 13 years of age;
  • The offender had knowledge or reasonable evidence to believe that the other person’s ability to resist or provide consent was impaired by a mental or physical condition or elderly age.

If you are facing rape charges in Ohio, it is imperative that you consult with a Cincinnati rape defense lawyer as soon as possible. Regardless of what happened in your case, it is understandable that you are probably scared and overwhelmed by the rape charges that you are currently facing. You do not have go through this experience alone. Our Cincinnati rape defense lawyers are here to provide their understanding and legal counsel to help you deal with charges that you are facing. Rape charges are often largely based on witness testimony, and not substantiated by evidence. The sooner you consult with our team, the better, as they will work diligently to achieve the most favorable outcome for your case. This could mean the difference between serving less prison time to a complete dismissal of charges altogether.

Penalties for Rape

A rape conviction in Ohio carries some of the most serious, unforgiving penalties of any criminal offenses. The resulting penalties for a rape conviction in Ohio are dependent on the severity of the facts and circumstances of your particular case, such as the age of the victim.

If you are facing a rape conviction in Ohio, you will most likely be charged with a first-degree felony. This entails serving a minimum of 5 years and up to a maximum of 10 years in prison in addition to paying up to $20,000 in fines.

If you are facing a rape conviction in Ohio and the facts of your particular case indicate that the victim was under a certain age, you may face life in prison with no possibility of parole, in addition to paying more than $20,000 in fines.

Collateral Consequences of Rape

Rape is one of the most serious criminal offenses in Ohio. A rape conviction carries severe and unforgiving consequences that will negatively impact and change your life forever. Due to the serious nature of a rape conviction, this charge will be on your criminal background for the rest of your life. Many of your rights and privileges will be lost as the result of being convicted. You will also face difficulty keeping or finding a job, furthering your education, difficulty financially, obtaining loans, maintaining professional licensures and keeping custody of your children. Living a normal life will be challenging as the result of a rape conviction.

A rape conviction in Ohio will also result in having to register and be classified as a sex offender. Registering as a sex offender entails making the public aware that you have been convicted of a harmful sex offense and may pose a risk of harm or danger to the surrounding community. Due to the sex offense you committed being public information, you will likely face being known throughout your community as disturbed or dangerous. Depending on the severity of the offense that you committed, you will be classified as a sex offender based on a tiered system.

  • If you are a Tier I sex offender, you are required by law to register as a sex offender every year for 15 years. If you were a minor at the time the offense was committed, you will have to register as a sex offender every 10 years.
  • If you are a Tier II sex offender, you are required by law to register as a sex offender every 180 days for 25 years. If you were a minor at the time the offense was committed, you will have to register as a sex offender every 180 days for 20 years.
  • If you are a Tier III sex offender, you are required by law to register as a sex offender every 90 days for the rest of your life. You will also be subject to a community notification.

Every day in Ohio, there are many individuals who are charged with rape. If you are facing rape charges, it is imperative that you immediately contact the Cincinnati sex crimes lawyer. A rape charge can be an overwhelming and anxiety-inducing experience, and you do not have to go through it alone. Although every case is different, it is crucial that you obtain an experienced, knowledgeable and compassionate attorney as soon as possible who will fight vigorously for your legal rights and best interest. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the better your options will be regarding your sentence. The Cincinnati Criminal Defense team has successfully defended hundreds of individuals charged with rape. Their knowledge, experience, and compassion for your case will help you receive the justice you deserve.

Facing rape charges? Contact an experienced rape defense attorney in Cincinnati today.

Criminal charges can be an overwhelming and frightening experience. You are probably worried about your freedoms and privileges being at stake and have a lot of questions. You can rest assured, because the Cincinnati criminal defense team from LHA is here for you. Get the justice that you deserve. Don’t hesitate to contact us today at (513) 338-1890 or email us at advice@cincinnaticriminalattorney.com.