Southeast and East Central Ohio Sex Crimes Defense Attorneys

Experienced and Reliable Trial Lawyers Who Champion Hundreds of Cases a Year

Sex crimes are one of the most complex cases to navigate. The consequences of an allegation are severe, and our legal team at Cross Law Office will treat your case with the meticulous attention your defense deserves. Our attorneys have settled 500-600 cases a year, so we are deeply familiar with the courtroom process and how to push forward a defense for our clients. 

We put the time in and have never backed down from a challenge. Whether you are facing sexual assault accusations or other misdemeanor or felony sex crime charges, we will utilize our legal resources as local attorneys and craft a compelling defense for you.

Schedule an initial consultation with Cross Law Office to learn more about your defense options. Defending those charged in Athens, Belmont, Coshocton, Guernsey, Jefferson, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, and Washington Counties.

Rape and Sexual Battery in Ohio

Sexual assault offenses are categorized as either rape or sexual battery in Ohio. Both these categories of sex crimes prohibit sexual conduct with another person who has not provided consent to the activity, who cannot consent, or who has been coerced. Rape and sexual battery are distinguishable by:

• Rape – engaging in sexual conduct without the other person’s consent or through the use of force or threat of force
• Sexual battery – scenarios where the offender takes unjust and unfair advantage over the other person (e.g., the offender is the alleged victim’s parent/guardian, the offender knew the alleged victim was not aware of what was going on, or the offender was in a position of authority over the alleged victim)

Rape is a first-degree felony punishable based on the circumstances. Some rape crimes carry 3-11 years in prison, while more severe offenses could send a defendant to prison for life without parole. The latter may apply to rape of an alleged victim younger than 13 years old, a crime that is punishable by a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison up to life in prison.

Sexual battery is a third-degree felony punishable by 9-60 months in jail. In serious cases, such as involving an alleged victim younger than 13 years old, the crime is a second-degree felony punishable by 2-8 years in prison. Repeat offenders will face even harsher penalties.