Collateral Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction
A significant majority of criminal convictions in Ohio are the result of alleged offenders agreeing to plead guilty (possibly to reduced charges) instead of risking a loss at trial that would carry longer terms of incarceration. All too often, people who have been charged with criminal offenses focus entirely on possible jail or prison sentences but fail to take into account the multitude of potentially lifetime civil consequences that come with being convicted. Certain criminal offenses carry more serious long-term consequences than others, and convictions for sexual offenses are among the most damaging with the potential to dramatically impact numerous areas of the lives of alleged offenders. In addition to barriers on current and future employment, people convicted of these crimes can suffer the loss of many civil rights and experience general difficulty reentering society.
Lawyer for Sex Crime Defense in Columbus, OH
If you were arrested or believe that you might be under investigation for any kind of alleged sex crime in Central Ohio, it is in your best interest to immediately retain legal counsel in order to ensure that you achieve the most favorable possible outcome to your case that results in the fewest possible consequences. Joslyn Law Firm aggressively defends clients all over Fairfield County, Franklin County, Licking County, Madison County, Pickaway County, Union County, and Delaware County. Columbus criminal defense attorney Brian Joslyn has been nominated as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer in the country by the National Trial Lawyers Association and was ranked one of the 10 best criminal defense lawyers in Ohio by the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys. He can provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your case as soon as you call (614) 444-1900 to take advantage of a free, confidential consultation.
Ohio Collateral Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction Information Center
- What are some of the long-term consequences of a conviction for a sexual offense?
- Are there any ways a person can lessen the employment burden of a sex crime conviction?
- Where can I learn more about collateral consequences of sex crime convictions in Columbus?
Types of Sex Crime Conviction Collateral Consequences in Franklin County
State law in Ohio imposes hundreds of collateral consequences on people convicted of criminal offenses—regardless of how those convictions were obtained. One consequence that specifically affects individuals convicted of sexual offenses in Ohio is the possibility of being required to register as a sex offender, a punishment that can have a considerable effect on not only an alleged offender’s ability to find work but also to obtain basic housing. Some of the other possible consequences of a conviction for a sex-related crime in Ohio include, but are not limited to:
- Felony sex crime convictions result in alleged offenders being declared incompetent to be an elector or juror or to hold an office of honor, trust, or profit under Ohio Revised Code § 2961.01(A)(1);
- Felony sex crime convictions result in alleged offenders being declared incompetent to circulate or serve as a witness for the signing of any declaration of candidacy and petition, voter registration application, or nominating, initiative, referendum, or recall petition under Ohio Revised Code § 2961.01(B);
- Convictions for felony sex offenses that are also considered crimes of violence (such as rape, sexual battery, or gross sexual imposition) can result in alleged offenders losing their right to acquire, have, carry, or use any firearm or dangerous ordnance under Ohio Revised Code § 2923.13(A)(2);
- Loss of public housing benefits for any felony sex crime conviction under 42 U.S. Code § 1437d;
- Nonresident aliens convicted of certain sexual offenses may become subject to deportation, although Ohio Revised Code § 2943.031 stipulates courts must advise alleged offenders of possible deportation, exclusion or denial of naturalization upon guilty or no contest pleas;
- People convicted of felony sex offenses are prohibited from enlisting in any branch of the armed forces of the United States under 10 U.S. Code § 504(a);
- Sex crime convictions result in people becoming ineligible for employment as law enforcement officers in Ohio under Ohio Revised Code § 109.77;
- The State Board of Education of Ohio may question an applicant for issuance or renewal of any license with respect to any criminal sexual offense committed or alleged to have been committed by the applicant under Ohio Revised Code § 3319.292, and convictions may result in refusal to issue licenses or suspension or revocation of licenses already issued;
- Applicants for appointment as guardians must disclose convictions for sex crimes under Ohio Revised Code § 2111.03 and convictions may result in applicants being disqualified; and
- Ineligibility to be foster caregiver under Ohio Revised Code § 2151.86.
In addition to many of the restrictions imposed under state or federal laws, sex crime convictions can also negatively impact many other facets of a person’s life. Such convictions can potentially affect child custody decisions as well as professional licensing by other independent boards.
Overcoming Employment Barriers of Sex Crime Convictions in Columbus
When a person is convicted of a sex offense in Ohio, his or her criminal record becomes a matter of public record viewable by all members of the general public. While people convicted of certain crimes often seek to have their records sealed so they can only be viewed by certain authorized agencies, state law in Ohio prohibits people convicted of any sexual offenses from sealing their criminal records. While certain professions may be prohibited from hiring people with criminal convictions, an individual who has been convicted of a sex offense in Ohio may be able to obtain some relief by applying for a Certificate of Qualified Employment (CQE). CQEs can be a very beneficial option for people convicted of sex crimes who are otherwise ineligible to seal their criminal records. People are eligible for CQEs only if they have been convicted of violations of state law, not federal. Individuals must wait until six months after the final discharge (the date that the person finished paying all fines and completed his or her term of incarceration or parole) of a misdemeanor or one year after the final discharge of a felony sex offense. When a person applies for a CQE, a Justice Reinvestment Officer (JRO) with the Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections reviews the application. If the JRO is satisfied with the application, the applicant then files it in the court of common pleas where he or she lives. The court then conducts its own investigation and usually holds a hearing. If the court rules in the applicant’s favor, he or she receives the CQE and an employer can hire that person without fear of being sued for negligent hiring practices. A CQE does not guarantee someone a job, but it does help make it possible to be hired.
Ohio Collateral Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction Resources
Civil Impacts of Criminal Convictions (CIVICC) — CIVICC is a project of the Ohio Justice & Policy Center and the Office of the Ohio Public Defender. Visitors to this website can use the online database to enter specific convictions and see all of the possible civil barriers that can result. You can search by civil impact or the offense keyword or Ohio Revised Code section, and you can also find answers to frequently asked questions. Collateral Consequences of Criminal Conviction in Ohio — The Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Service funded this research report examining the collateral consequences of criminal convictions in Ohiol. The authors “found that Ohio law—through constitutional provisions, statutes, administrative regulations, and court rules—imposes hundreds of collateral consequences on persons who have been convicted of criminal offenses, regardless of whether the conviction was obtained by plea or trial and regardless of the jurisdiction in which the conviction occurred.” You can review the results to a survey conducted by the authors, various tables, and prior research on collateral consequences.
Joslyn Law Firm | Columbus Sex Crime Defense Lawyer
Do you think you could be under investigation or were you already arrested for allegedly committing a sexual offense in Central Ohio? Do not enter into any plea agreements with a prosecutor without legal representation. Contact Joslyn Law Firm today. Brian Joslyn is a skilled criminal defense attorney in Columbus who represents clients all over the greater Franklin County area, including Hilliard, Reynoldsburg, Upper Arlington, Westerville, Whitehall, Worthington, Bexley, Dublin, Gahanna, Grove City, and several other surrounding communities. Call (614) 444-1900 or fill out an online contact form today to receive a free consultation that will let our lawyer review your case and discuss all of your legal options.
