Sexual Battery
If you have been charged with sex battery in Ohio, it is important to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer. A conviction for sexual battery can result in harsh penalties, including possible mandatory prison sentences, a criminal record, requirements to register as a sex offender and/or fines.
Although a conviction for this sex offense can result in severe penalties, many of the scenarios resulting in a sexual battery charge require a “knowledge” element. This is a subjective element to the offense, meaning it varies from situation to situation, and depends on the person’s personal perception, feelings or belief in each particular situation. Subjective elements are often very difficult for the prosecution to prove; therefore, it is imperative to hire a knowledgeable Columbus sexual battery defense attorney.
Columbus Sexual Battery Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with sexual battery in the Columbus, Ohio area, contact the Joslyn Law Firm to discuss the facts of your case. Brian Joslyn of the Joslyn Law Firm will make every effort to fight the allegations against you and help you avoid serious punishments. Call the Joslyn Law Firm at (614) 444-1900 for a free consultation today about your alleged sexual battery offense in Franklin County and the surrounding areas of Ohio.
Sexual Battery Defined Under Ohio Law
Sexual Battery – Ohio Rev. Code § 2907.03: In order to be charged with this offense, the alleged offender must have engaged in sexual conduct with another person, and meet at least one of the following elements:
- Knowingly coerced, by any means, another person to submit to the sexual conduct that prevented their resistance;
- Knew the other person’s ability to control their conduct was substantially impaired;
- Knew the other person submitted to the sexual conduct because they were unaware the act was being committed;
- Knew the other person submitted to the sexual conduct because they mistakenly identified the alleged offender as their spouse;
- Is or was the other person’s guardian or parent, including adoptive or step-parents;
- Had some kind of supervisory or disciplinary authority over a patient in a hospital or other institution or had legal custody over the other person;
- Is or was a teacher, administrator, coach or other person employed by or serving in a public school, and the other person attends or attended the school;
- Is or was a teacher, administrator, coach or other person employed by or serving in an institution of higher education, and the other person was a minor at the time of the offense;
- Is or was a person with temporary or occasional disciplinary control over the other person, such as an athletic coach, instructor or scouting troop leader;
- Is or was a mental health professional who induced their client or patient to believe the sexual conduct was necessary for mental health treatment;
- Is or was an employee of a detention facility and the other person is or was confined in the detention facility; OR
- Is or was a cleric and the other person is or was a minor at the time of the offense and attended the church served by the cleric.
Penalties for Sexual Battery in Ohio
Sexual battery is punishable as a felony of the third degree, which can result in a prison sentence ranging from one to five years and/or fines not more than $10,000.
If the alleged victim is under 13 years old, a conviction for sexual battery is a felony of the second degree and will result in a mandatory prison sentence of two to five years and/or fines up to $15,000.
Joslyn Law Firm | Columbus Sexual Battery Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with a sex battery offense in Columbus, Ohio, contact Brian Joslyn of the Joslyn Law Firm to discuss the facts of your particular case. Brian Joslyn is an experienced Columbus sexual crimes lawyer who will make every effort to help you find the best possible outcome to your situation.
Call the Joslyn Law Firm at (614) 444-1900 for a free consultation about your alleged sexual offense charges in Franklin County and the surrounding counties, including Pickaway County, Madison County, Delaware County, Licking County and Fairfield County in Ohio.
